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Image Credits – Imago

via Imago
Image Credits – Imago
As unfortunate as the injury and sidelining of Chase Elliott has been in the last few weeks, the positive aspect of that incident has to be the fact that Jordan Taylor’s NASCAR Cup Series dream is finally coming true, thanks to a certain Jeff Gordon.
The SportsCar championship driver has experience in IMSA while also being connected to the Garage 56 program. HMS selected him as the fill-in driver for the #9 Camaro at Circuit of The Americas.

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Formula 1 2022: Miami GP MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AUTODROME, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – MAY 07: Jeff Gordon, Former NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Champion with Jordan Taylor, IMSA driver during the Miami GP at Miami International Autodrome on Saturday May 07, 2022 in Miami, United States of America. Photo by Alexander Trienitz rienitz PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY GP2205_11063607-05-2022-F1-MIA-AT-2480
And to say he was the right pick by Hendrick Motorsports would be underselling it, because not only did he qualify in 4th place for the race, but he also got a pat on the back from the most unlikely figure.
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Jordan Taylor recalls how Jeff Gordon gave him the opportunity to race the #9
In an interview on Saturday, Taylor spoke about the way his Cup opportunity came to be in the unfortunate circumstances of Chase Elliott’s injury. He recalled how he would text Jeff Gordon, asking if there ever came an opportunity to race in the Cup. He should keep him in mind.
“He knew I was always interested. And then, unfortunately, with Chase’s incident to happen, he reached out, ‘What if you’re available? Could you do it?’ I was like, ‘100% I would do it.'” Taylor described.
“I kind of thought it would never happen and then when we were here at the Garage 56 test. I was only supposed to do 5 laps that day and I walked in, on a phone call with Chad Knaus, he was like, ‘Hold on Jordan,’ Jeff was on the phone, Jeff said, ‘You’re in if you want it,’ and I’m like, ‘Well then I’m in.'”
Jordan Taylor on getting the call to drive the Hendrick No. 9 car for Chase Elliott (broken leg), whether he is ready for restarts and how much simulator time he has had to prepare for COTA: pic.twitter.com/XxcAY2IIrg
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 25, 2023
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Taylor’s performance in qualifying impressed Chase Elliott
Jordan Taylor qualified in an impressive 4th place for the race on Sunday. Hence, he got the attention and approval of many fans and insiders. But perhaps there was one person whose approval must’ve meant more than anybody’s, Chase Elliott.
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Elliott tweeted heaping praise on Taylor, “I see you @jordan10taylor Killer lap.”

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NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Daytona 500 Feb 19, 2023 Daytona Beach, Florida, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott 9 during driver introductions before the start of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Daytona Beach Daytona International Speedway Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMikexDinovox 20230219_mcd_ad4_16
Now, this kind of thing is pretty rare, an A-driver applauding his own replacement?
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But then again, it’s not just any A-driver, it’s Chase Elliott. And it’s not just any replacement driver, it’s Jordan Taylor. He is more than capable of going all the way to win this Sunday.
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