The anticipation is palpable as Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing prepares for its first race at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. The No. 101 Cadillac WTR V-Series.R Hypercar team joins a competitive field of 21 cars in the Hypercar class, ready to take on the challenge during the 93rd iteration of the endurance event.
This race marks a significant moment for Wayne Taylor, who has a storied history with Le Mans, previously competing under the Cadillac Racing banner in the early 2000s. "This is the first time the Wayne Taylor Racing team has come to Le Mans, thanks to Cadillac Racing," said Wayne Taylor, who famously won the LMP1 Class in 1998.
His pride for the team's preparation is evident. "The guys have done a fantastic job building a car, getting all the equipment over here, and in a short amount of time (since the announcement in March 2025). I would say during the Test Day, we looked as good as anybody. I feel very proud of this team. All the drivers got time in the car, there were no mechanical issues, and so, overall, it met my expectations, if not better."
Ricky Taylor, one of the drivers and Wayne's son, expressed the value of experience at such a challenging venue. "We learned a lot at the test day. It is such a long event, but the more you can get into a rhythm, the better it will be for us. The lap time is important, but consistency over 24 hours can make all the difference."
Joining Ricky are his brother, Jordan Taylor, and Filipe Albuquerque. Each driver brings unique experience to the team. Although none of them have co-driven at Le Mans together before, their individual backgrounds are impressive. Ricky Taylor boasts two top 15 finishes in the P2 class, while Jordan, entering his tenth year at Le Mans, holds a win in the LM GTE Pro Class from 2015.
Filipe Albuquerque stands out with experience in the overall prototype category and was part of a championship-winning LMP2 team in 2020. This diverse experience sets a solid foundation for the team as they face the arduous challenge of Le Mans.
Before the official race weekend begins, the No. 101 Cadillac participated in test sessions last Sunday, allowing the drivers and crew to familiarize themselves with the 13.626-kilometer (8.467-mile) Circuit de la Sarthe. The team achieved a commendable best lap time of 03:28.909, a crucial benchmark for the upcoming race.
Reflecting on the test sessions, Wayne Taylor noted the challenges of the lengthy track, emphasizing the significance of preparation. "I would have liked us to have gone a little faster, but, really and truly, you forget that this is an eight-and-half mile track. If you say you are two seconds off the pace here, it is really just .0001 when compared to going around Daytona, a two-and-half mile track. They are doing the prep now and Wednesday it all starts again. I am excited and humbled by the whole event."
As the race weekend draws closer, the team will engage in four free practice sessions at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 11 and 12, culminating in qualifying on the first day with the top 15 advancing to a dual Hyperpole session. The revamped format this year includes two segments, where the top times from the first session will compete for the Hyperpole award in a final 15-minute showdown.
The race itself is set to begin at 10 a.m. EST (4 p.m. Central European Summer Time) on Saturday, June 14. Fans can follow live timing coverage via the FIA WEC app and the Cadillac Racing YouTube channel, marking an exhilarating moment for the team and its supporters.
With a solid foundation of preparation and experienced drivers, Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing aims not only to compete but to secure a prominent position in this esteemed event. Wayne Taylor's outlook remains optimistic, stating, "My view is that if we can have a competitive race, get into that top six, it would be very rewarding. This four-car Cadillac Racing factory program is with JOTA, AXR, and WTR, and we will put our best foot forward."
As the anticipation builds, the team's debut at Le Mans promises to be a thrilling chapter in their racing career, embodying both legacy and innovation as they rise to the occasion.