Ricky Taylor ought to know a fair bit about racing at COTA. Not only is Taylor one of only six American drivers in the FIA World Endurance Championship, but the 27-year old will be completing the Lone Star Le Mans/ 6 Hours of COTA double for the second time next weekend, where he will again race the Larbre Competition Corvette C7.R in GTE-Am.
The 3.427-mile Circuit of the Americas has hosted the WEC every year since 2013 and grown to become a popular addition to the calendar, with the blind uphill apex at turn one, high-commitment Esses and heavy braking zone following the long back straight offering a true test of driving skill.
“It’s definitely a challenge, it’s one of those that looks very easy on a map but when you drive it, it’s very technical,” Taylor explains. “With the cambers and the crests and everything, if you make a mistake on the first one then you’re behind on the next four, so it’s really rewarding for a driver when you get it right. On some other tracks there might be just a straight-forward 90 degree corner, you nail it and you’re done, but [at COTA] you’ve got to get four or five right in a row.
“The run off is so big that you can make a mistake and still be in the fight – it’s not like a Le Mans or a Watkins Glen where you make a mistake and you’re in the wall – but it’s not easy. You have to adapt your driving around the lap, which is pretty interesting and not really like anywhere we go. It’s hard to believe it’s all man-made.”
That is even before the weather is factored into the equation – on Taylor’s last appearance in the 6 Hours at COTA in 2014, the race was red-flagged due to heavy rain, while last year conditions pushed 35 degrees.
As the lone Corvette entered in the World Championship, Taylor feels the responsibility deeply and is eager to put on a good show for the home fans, but will be hoping for slightly cooler temperatures to help him manage his energy across both races.
“Last year was so hot I actually got an IV before our race, I just hope it’s not as hot this year!” he said. “The good thing is the Corvette has got air conditioning, so that should help a little bit, but physically it’s going to be tough and mentally as well. I think between the two races that’ll be ten hours of racing – every driver complains that they don’t get enough seat-time, so I’m looking forward to that!”
James Newbold
Photos by Adrenal Media & Michelin - Rick Dole
