Taggart Autosport announced it will enter a Lotus Exige in the GTS class of the Pirelli World Challenge. Driving the No. 61 Lotus USA entry, Jim Taggart, SCCA National Jim Fitzgerald Rookie of the Year, embarks on his first season of professional racing after a strong 2012 that included multiple National victories and the Hard Charger award at the Championship Runoffs at Road America.
The No. 61 Lotus will be run under the Taggart Autosport banner with team support led by Kirt Wightman and Tom Long of Long Road Racing.
“I’m very excited to join the prestigious Pirelli World Challenge Championships and race with some of the greats in road racing,” said Jim Taggart. “In addition, driving on world famous street courses such as St. Petersburg, Long Beach and Detroit is something I have always wanted to do.”
The agile Exige will be up against a diverse and competitive GTS field that includes Mustangs and Camaros as well as Kias and Acuras.
“We are very excited to be associated with Taggart Autosport,” added Arnie Johnson, director of operations, Lotus USA. “Campaigning a Lotus Exige in the Pirelli World Challenge series will provide high entertainment value for the fans and I expect us to be very competitive in the GTS field.”
Taggart brings his experience as an accomplished racer into the 2013 Pirelli World Challenge Championships. Two years ago, Taggart achieved success in the Ariel Atom spec series, Spec Miata and then SCCA National racing in the STU class with multiple Lotus Exiges. He currently leads the 2013 National STU point standings.
(Courtesy of WC Vision)