Hyundai Secures Impressive Double Podium Finish at Daytona

For the first time in team history, Hyundai started from the pole position at Daytona International Speedway with reigning 2023 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) Champion Harry Gottsacker leading the grid in the No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR for Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA).

As the 2024 IMPC campaign began with the first of two endurance races, Hyundai closed out the four-hour race with a double podium finish. The No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR, driven by Denis Dupont, Preston Brown, and Nick Looijmans, captured second place after a well-fought battle.

This was the trio’s debut with Hyundai and BHA, setting an impressive tone for the season. Third place was secured by the No. 98 Hyundai Elantra N TCR piloted by Mark Wilkins and Mason Filippi. As Hyundai led 14 laps at Daytona International Speedway, Hyundai Hope On Wheels raised $1,400 to fight pediatric cancer.

The No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR drivers Denis Dupont, Preston Brown and Nick Loojimans for Byran Herta Autosport and the No. 98 Hyundai Elantra N TCR drivers for Bryan Herta Autosport, Mark Wilkins and Mason Filippi, photographed during the podium ceremony for the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Jan. 26, 2024. (Photo/Bryan Herta Autosport/LAT)

Harry Gottsacker in the No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR ran strong, battling with the No. 17 Audi to keep the reigning series Champions in contention to defend their title. Unfortunately, the No. 33 car incurred damage, ending the team’s hopes for a win. The No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR finished in twelfth place after the incident.

Preston Brown in the No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR started strong in the 13th position for his first race with BHA. After a driver change, Nick Looijmans carefully maintained position before the entrant’s third driver, Denis Dupont, took control.

Dupont methodically worked his way through the field in the latter stages of the four-hour race before running out of fuel, coasting across the finish line dramatically to deliver Hyundai’s highest position: second place.

Mason Filippi in the No. 98 Hyundai Elantra N TCR started in ninth position, where he steadily made up seven positions during his stint before handing the No. 98 to Mark Wilkins, who concluded the day in third place.

Rounding out the rest of the Hyundai N TCR field, the No. 70 entry of Jacob Deily and Jordan Wisely scored a sixth-place finish for Deily Motorsports. Taylor Hagler and Bryson Morris finished in eighth position in the No. 77 Hyundai N TCR, with Tyler Gonzalez and Victor Gonzalez ending the day in tenth. Morgan Burkhard and Julian Santero for Victor Gonzalez Racing Team in the No. 80 entry closed the race with an eleventh-place finish.

Hyundai Finishing Results

Position	Drivers	Team	Car
2	P. Brown / D. Dupont / N. Looijmans	Bryan Herta Autosport	#76 Elantra N TCR
3	M. Wilkins / M. Filippi	Bryan Herta Autosport	#98 Elantra N TCR
6	J. Deily / J. Wisely	Daily Motorsports	#70 Elantra N TCR
8	B. Morris / T. Hagler	Bryan Herta Autosport	#77 Elantra N TCR
10	T. Gonzalez / V. Gonzalez, Jr.	Victor Gonzalez Racing Team	#99 Elantra N TCR
11	J. Santero / M. Burkhard	Victor Gonzalez Racing Team	#80 Elantra N TCR
12	R. Wickens / H. Gottsacker	Bryan Herta Autosport	#33 Elantra N TCR

Hyundai Championship Standings

Position	Drivers	Team	Car	Total Points
2	D. Dupont / N. Loojimans / P. Brown	Bryan Herta Autosport	#76 Elantra N TCR	320
3	M. Wilkins / M. Fillipi	Bryan Herta Autosport	#98 Elantra N TCR	300
6	J. Deily / J. Wisely	Daily Motorsports	#70 Elantra N TCR	250
8	B. Morris / T. Hagler	Bryan Herta Autosport	#77 Elantra N TCR	230
10	T. Gonzalez / V. Gonzalez	Victor Gonzalez Racing Team	#99 Elantra N TCR	210
11	J. Santero / M. Burkhard	Victor Gonzalez Racing Team	#80 Elantra N TCR	200
12	R. Wickens / H. Gottsacker	Bryan Herta Autosport	#33 Elantra N TCR	190

IMSA TCR Manufacturer Standings

Position	Manufacturer	Total Points
1	Audi	350
2	Hyundai	320
3	Honda	300
4	Alfa Romeo	280