Wayne Taylor: “There is no magic formula”

What makes this victory special?

I was linked to a manufacturer for 28 years (General Motors. Editor's note) and our relationship was most prolific. But I felt the need to take on a new challenge, to prove that our team could win with any manufacturer. When the opportunity to work with Acura presented itself, I couldn't refuse, especially since they came with the assurance of doing LMDh (see Briefing pages. Editor's note).

You only needed one race to give the ARX-05 a victory in a major classic, something Team Penske has not managed to do in three years. What is your secret?

Today we achieved our fourth victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona in five years. And I understand that Acura also came for me thinking that I had the secret to winning here, which I obviously don't have. There is no magic formula. After hanging up my phone and becoming team boss, I always made a point of surrounding myself well and the team proved today that this was the case.

However, you only received the car very late…

A little over two months ago. It wasn't easy, that's true, but Acura helped us a lot. Just like having three drivers who already know the car, namely my son Ricky, Helio and Alex (Castroneves et Red. Editor’s note). Having to deal with a new car, a new engine and a new partner, I wanted to rely on ex-Penske people who knew the equipment. It was important.

Why did you go looking for Filipe Albuquerque?

I had already tried to enlist him two years ago, but he was committed elsewhere. I wanted someone the same age as Ricky. Filipe has won a lot of things and knows Oreca. And he's one of the nicest guys I've ever met. I could never be that nice, even if they paid me.

Ricky in DPi, Jordan in GTLM, success is total for the Taylor family…

I live from my passion and my two sons rode for me. What more ? It's a very special day for the family. Their interest in racing came late, but after winning my last title in 2005 (in Grand-Am. Editor's note), they both told me of their desire to race. And on a karting, I immediately saw that they were talented. If this day is very special for me, I don't know if it is possible to match the happiness that was mine here when I won with them both in 2017.