WTRAndretti, two cars to regain victory at Daytona

The Acura ARX-06 has often emerged as the fastest car in 2023, with Filipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor narrowly missing out on winning the XNUMX Drivers' Championship.IMSA. For 2024, significant changes have been made, as WTRAndretti will have two cars. Ricky Taylor and Albuquerque will continue to drive the traditional No. 10, Brendon Hartley will complete the team for the endurance races and Marcus Ericsson will be the fourth man for Daytona.

The new #40 car in black and red livery will be driven full-time by Jordan Taylor and Louis Deletraz, with Colton Herta (MEC) and world champion F1 2009 Jenson Button (Daytona) also on board. With a prototype that has demonstrated all its qualities in 2023 and such drivers in its ranks, it is difficult not to make this team the big favorite for this new year and victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Especially since the ARX-06 scored a double in the Florida classic in January 2023 with the victory of Meyer Shank Racing ahead of Wayne Taylor Racing. The WTR team's last victory at Daytona dates back to 2021 with Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor, already, then associated with Helio Castroneves and Alexander Red.

« Everyone at WTRAndretti, Acura, HRC and Oreca did an incredible job in the first year to develop an all-new race-winning car, explains Ricky Taylor. This year, coming back to Daytona, everyone had a full season to learn about their cars and try to catch up. We can't assume we'll have the same advantage this year, but we've worked hard to maintain it. We will have to execute our plan perfectly to beat the others this year without making any mistakes. The team worked tirelessly during the offseason to prepare for Daytona this year. Having a second car as an ally will be a fantastic tool not only before the event to further develop the car, but also on the track during the race in a strategic way. A victory for the WTRAndretti team is the most important thing this year. »

« After a few good days with Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti at Daytona and a very useful simulator day, I feel ready to take on the Roar, Button says. This 24 hour race is the one I wanted to do my entire racing career. Finally, the opportunity presented itself with such an iconic team. A team that has fought for victory many times over the years and won several times here at the Rolex 24. Hopefully after a few good days at the Roar, a good qualifying session, we can be in good shape for the “Big One.” Relations within the team are excellent. Eight drivers are racing for WTRAndretti in the premier GTP category, it’s a big deal! And the great thing is that we all come from different backgrounds, but we all get along really well and the team atmosphere is really good. »

Until now, the Japanese manufacturer has remained behind Cadillacs and Porsche during the Roar Free Practice, but remains on three consecutive victories on the American double clock. It is therefore difficult not to make the two WTRAndretti crews the big favorites for this 62nd edition.

Qualifying for the 24 Hours of Daytona will begin at 19:55 p.m. this Sunday (French time).

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