Ricky Taylor Raving About Brand-New GTP Michelin Tire: "They Did An Amazing Job"

Ricky Taylor has had a whirlwind couple of weeks, jumping from a WEC test straight into IMSA testing as preparations intensify for the 2026 season. Despite the rapid turnaround, Taylor has settled quickly into a productive rhythm as Cadillac evaluates its latest EVO updates.

This weekend’s program features two major developments: the introduction of new EVO components for the Cadillac V-Series.R and the debut of Michelin’s brand-new tire, which will be used across both GTP and Hypercar classes next season.

“They did an amazing job with the new tire,” Taylor said. “We only ran on medium today. No matter where we were in the temperature window, the warm-up was really good. Tyre deg seemed no worse, but the warm-up was significantly better. So, I think every driver here is breathing up excitedly.”

In addition to the tire, the 2026 Cadillac features several notable aerodynamic revisions — most strikingly, a redesigned rear wing that sits lower than before. The visual shift is significant, but Taylor welcomes it, both aesthetically and functionally.

“It’s good. I like the look of it. I grew up as a sports car fan, so I like watching the Bentley’s and the BMW V12 with really low rear wings and seeing us come up with something that sort of resembles that, or even like the original Cadillac LMP with the low rear wing just looks like something that’s built to go fast and so it’s exciting. As far as the feeling of the car is concerned, it feels like home. Obviously there’s a reason why they do the Evos and it’s based on just everything that we’ve learned for the past couple of years, or that they’ve [Cadillac] learned for the past couple of years, and to make it adapt better for the races we have to go and try to win this year. So yeah, I think their checklists have been pretty successful.”

After a full day of running, Taylor appears energized by the direction of the 2026 updates. Between the improved tire feel, the refined aero, and the familiar balance of the V-Series.R, he remains confident Cadillac is pushing forward in all the right ways.