Hyundai Motor America continues to shine in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) as 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 maneuvered their No. 91 Hyundai Elantra N TCR on the drying track, securing van der Steur Racing’s inaugural podium of the season.
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, a series of maneuvers 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 ultimately ending their otherwise promising 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, and unfortunately, their No. 98 BHA entry retired prematurely, just five laps shy of the checkered flag, due to race-ending damage. 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.
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 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 |
#33: Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb Agajanian, Hyundai Elantra N TCR, TCR: Robert Wickens, Harry Gottsacker 
#98: Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb Agajanian, Hyundai Elantra N TCR, TCR: Mark Wilkins, Mason Filippi 
#91: van der Steur Racing, Hyundai Elantra N TCR, TCR: Tyler Maxson, Bryan Ortiz, #33: Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb Agajanian, Hyundai Elantra N TCR, TCR: Robert Wickens, Harry Gottsacker