DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Veteran sports car racer Ryan Eversley will partner with up-and-comer Taylor Hagler to co-drive a Honda Civic Type R TCR fielded by LA Honda World Racing in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
The team is the defending TCR winner of the four-hour event, winning with Tom O’Gorman and Shelby Blackstock last year. Hagler, a 24-year-old driver from Bulverde,Texas, will make her IMSA debut at Daytona Int’l Speedway on Jan. 24.
Hagler began racing two years ago in Spec Miata and NASA Pro Racing’s HPDE to Racing Program, winning Rookie of the Year while placing fifth of 69 drivers in the NASA Texas Spec Miata championship. In 2019, she drove a Honda Civic for X-Factor Racing in the TCA category of TC America. Hagler finished fifth in the championship with two podium finishes, scoring her first professional podium in the opening round at Circuit of The Americas.
“I am so excited to race in IMSA in 2020 with LA Honda World Racing and Honda Racing HPD,” said Hagler. “I’ve had a chance to try the Honda Civic Type R TCR a few times and I’m looking forward to driving it at Daytona. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to drive it on a more regular basis and I’m so pleased that LA Honda World Racing has provided this opportunity for 2020. The team won here last year so there is just a bit of pressure to hit the ground running.”
Eversley has an extensive resume that stretches back to his start in the sport working as a mechanic before he got his first shot behind the wheel. The Atlanta-area driver has diversified his competition portfolio to include everything from race-winning runs behind the wheel of the Acura NSX GT3 to jumping Super Trucks. Eversley also has extensive and recent experience in the TCR ranks as he returns to IMSA for a full season campaign once again.
“I’m happy to be continuing my association with Honda and HPD for my 11th season,” said Eversley. “The LA Honda World team has won a lot of races and I’ve admired what they’ve accomplished from a competitors standpoint and I know they’re going to be great to work with. Taylor and I are ready to go and looking forward to getting the season started in our No. 77 Honda Civic Type R.”