Jordan Taylor, a three-time IMSA SportsCar Championship winner, will make his Cup Series debut as a fill-in driver for Hendrick Motorsports at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) later this month. HMS has announced that Taylor and Josh Berry are the replacement drivers for Chase Elliott, who has to sit out of the competition for six weeks because of a fractured left leg.

Taylor’s journey to his Cup Series debut began with his involvement in the Garage 56 program, which he describes as being important to him. However, the Garage 56 car and the ones he is used to driving in the IMSA SportsCar Championship are very different from the Next Gen #9 Chevrolet.

Comparing the Garage 56 car to the Next Gen car, he said, “I think it’s (the Garage 56 car) 10–12 seconds fast or so. I think going to the Next Gen car will still be a bit eye-opening for me. It’s much different from what I drive, and sports car is in a Corvette.”

Jordan Tayor talks about being a road course specialist at Hendrick Motorsports

Jordan Taylor didn’t lose time in responding when he was offered the opportunity to drive the #9 car by HMS Vice Chairman, Jeff Gordon. Talking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Taylor said, “That definitely puts a little bit of fear and some nervous emotions in me but, yeah I’m definitely excited for the opportunity, like you said it, it’s an amazing car, amazing team, amazing opportunity, so, yeah it was impossible to say no.

“As soon as I said yes, my brain went from like ‘Oh! This will be awesome’ to ‘Oh My Gosh This Is Happening!'”

However, Taylor admitted that the prospect of being a road-course ringer, like the drivers in the 80s and 90s, puts some fear and nervousness in him. “Everyone I talk to said it’s gonna be a different animal to kind of understand. But I’m hoping, some simulator time and talkin’ to guys (who’ve) raced it all these years, I can […] hopefully get my head wrapped around a little bit “ he said.

How did the fans took to the news about Jordan’s debut?

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There was a mix of speculation and encouragement in fans’ reactions to the news. A fan believed that having someone as talented as Taylor behind the wheel on road courses could benefit Elliott as well. Another shared words of encouragement, while joking that they would be hoping to see Rodney Sandstorm at COTA. For those unaware, Rodney Sandstorm is a Taylor’s charming alter-ego that parodies 90s racers.

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Taylor’s debut with HMS at the upcoming NASCAR race is sure to be an exciting event for both fans and drivers. With his experience as a sports car driver and his determination to learn and adapt to the new car, he is hopeful to put up a strong fight. As Taylor said himself, “Hopefully, I can learn as much like him before we get to the race weekend.”

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