By Josh Farmer, IndyCar Reporter
Jeff Gordon will race in next month’s Rolex 24 at Daytona for Wayne Taylor Racing in their new Cadillac DPi-V.R.
The four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion highlights the team’s high-caliber lineup of brothers Ricky and Jordan Taylor as well as Max Angelelli.
Gordon helped guide WTR to a podium finish in the 2007 Rolex 24 for WTR alongside Angelelli, Wayne Taylor and Jan Magnussen. That was Gordon’s lone sportscar racing start among his legendary career in NASCAR where he earned 90 career wins to go along with his four championships.
“I really enjoyed racing in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2007 with Max, Wayne and Jan,” said Gordon. “When I announced I would no longer be competing full-time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, my hope was that I would get an opportunity like this to compete again in such a prestigious event – with Konica Minolta and Wayne Taylor Racing – with the hopes of winning it this time. I know that Ricky and Jordan are super-fast, and I believe it will be a very strong combination.”
Gordon retired from NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2015 and served as a color commentator for FOX’s NASCAR coverage. He returned to the driver’s seat replacing former Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for eight races.
Gordon turned some laps in the new Cadilliac DPi entry at the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course as part of a 24-hour endurance test. He will continue to test for the team in the sessions leading up to the Rolex 24.
“We are excited to have Jeff back in the lineup with us for the 2017 Rolex 24,” said team owner Wayne Taylor. “He was with us when we started this race team back in 2007 and he helped us finish on the podium. We have kept in close touch ever since and have always been looking for another opportunity to have him join our driver lineup. That opportunity is finally here after his retirement from full-time competition in NASCAR and we are very much looking forward to working with him again.”
