Double Podium Finish at Daytona for Hyundai

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 of the season, 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 to the finish. This was the trio’s debut with both 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.

Harry Gottsacker in the No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR ran strong, battling it out 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 off strong in 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 in dramatic fashion to deliver Hyundai’s highest position of the race: second place.  

#76: Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb Agajanian, Hyundai Elantra N TCR, TCR: Preston Brown, Denis Dupont, Nick Looijmans

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 out the race with an eleventh-place finish.

Hyundai Finishing Results

PositionDriversTeamCar
2P. Brown / D. Dupont / N. LooijmansBryan Herta Autosport#76 Elantra N TCR
3M. Wilkins / M. FilippiBryan Herta Autosport#98 Elantra N TCR
6J. Deily / J. WiselyDeily Motorsports#70 Elantra N TCR
8B. Morris / T. HaglerBryan Herta Autosport#77 Elantra N TCR
10T. Gonzalez / V. Gonzalez, Jr.Victor Gonzalez Racing Team#99 Elantra N TCR
11J. Santero / M. BurkhardVictor Gonzalez Racing Team#80 Elantra N TCR
12R. Wickens / H. GottsackerBryan Herta Autosport#33 Elantra NTCR

IMSA TCR Manufacturer Standings

PositionManufacturerTotal Points
1Audi350
2Hyundai320
3Honda300
4Alfa Romeo280
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