Hyundai Secures Podium Finish at Watkins Glen International

Hyundai Motor America continues to shine in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC). Tyler Maxson and Bryan Ortiz, representing van der Steur Racing, claimed a well-deserved third-place finish at the renowned Watkins Glen International.

Despite a delayed start due to weather conditions, the dynamic duo skillfully manoeuvred their No. 91 Hyundai Elantra N TCR on the drying track, securing van der Steur Racing’s inaugural season podium.

Meanwhile, the Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) team faced an eventful weekend at the historic upstate New York circuit. Reigning IMPC Champions Michael Lewis and Taylor Hagler briefly took the lead in the No. 1 Hyundai Elantra N TCR after an unfortunate off-track incident involving the No. 15 Audi.

However, several manoeuvres during the restart pushed Lewis back to third place. As the race progressed, Lewis made contact with the No. 37 Honda, resulting in a drive-through penalty and ending their otherwise good day.

BHA teammates Robert Wickens and Harry Gottsacker, in the No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR, overcame early challenges, such as a tire puncture and a drive-through penalty, to finish the race in a commendable fifth position.

Mark Wilkins and Mason Filippi also faced difficulties throughout the weekend. Unfortunately, due to race-ending damage, their No. 98 BHA entry retired prematurely, just five laps shy of the checkered flag. As a result, the IMPC TCR Drivers’ Championship has become a fiercely contested battle, with both the No. 33 Elantra N TCR pairing of Wickens and Gottsacker and the No. 98 Elantra N TCR pairing of Wilkins and Filippi now tied for the points lead.

Looking ahead, Hyundai Motor America is gearing up for the next round of the IMPC schedule at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 120 on Saturday, July 8th, 2023.

• Top Finishing Hyundai and Top Qualifying Hyundai: Third place for the No. 91 Hyundai Elantra N TCR drove by Tyler Maxson and Bryan Ortiz

Tyler Maxson and Bryan Ortiz, drivers of the No. 91 Hyundai Elantra N TCR for van der Steur Racing, compete at the Watkins Glen International 120 in Watkins Glen, N.Y., June 24, 2023 (Photo/Bryan Herta Autosport/LAT).

Hyundai Finishing Results

Position	Drivers	Team	Car
3	T. Maxson / B. Ortiz	van der Steur Racing	#91 Elantra N TCR
5	R. Wickens / H. Gottsacker	Bryan Herta Autosport	#33 Elantra N TCR
9	T. Hagler / M. Lewis	Bryan Herta Autosport	#1 Elantra N TCR
11	M. Wilkins / M. Filippi	Bryan Herta Autosport	#98 Elantra N TCR

 

Hyundai Championship Standings

Position	Drivers	Team	Car	Total Points
1	M. Wilkins / M. Filippi Bryan	Bryan Herta Autosport	#98 Elantra N TCR	1150
2	R. Wickens / H. Gottsacker	Bryan Herta Autosport	#33 Elantra N TCR	1150
5	T. Maxson	van der Steur Racing	#91 Elantra N TCR	1090
7	M. Lewis / T. Hagler	Bryan Herta Autosport	#1 Elantra N TCR	960
14	B. Ortiz	van der Steur Racing	#91 Elantra N TCR	810

 

IMSA TCR Manufacturer Standings

Position	Manufacturer	Total Points
1	Hyundai	1270
2	Alfa Romeo	1260
3	Audi	1250
4	Honda	1220

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