Hyundai's Race to Glory: Leading the 2024 TCR Manufacturers' Championship

Jo-Carolyn Goode | 8/21/2024, 12:49 p.m.
As the 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) season charges into its final stretch, Hyundai Motor America (HMA) finds itself …
The No. 33 and No. 98 Hyundai Elantra N TCRs are photographed during The Road America 120 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., August 3, 2024. (Photo/Bryan Herta Autosport/LAT)

As the 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) season charges into its final stretch, Hyundai Motor America (HMA) finds itself in a commanding position. With a remarkable podium streak that has defined the first seven races, Hyundai has become the name to beat in the TCR Manufacturers’ Championship. This weekend, all eyes will be on Virginia International Raceway, where Hyundai aims to further solidify its lead and leave competitors in the dust.

Dominance on the Track

Hyundai's dominance isn't just about leading the Manufacturers’ Championship—it's about consistency, precision, and a relentless drive for victory. Thanks to Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA), Hyundai holds three of the top four positions in the IMPC Drivers’ Championship. Leading the charge is the No. 76 BHA Hyundai Elantra N TCR, expertly piloted by Preston Brown and Denis Dupont. Currently sitting in second place, just 220 points shy of the lead, they are in prime position to challenge for the top spot. Close behind are the BHA No. 33 and No. 98 entries, which hold third and fourth places, respectively, making it a thrilling battle to the finish.

Virginia International Raceway: A Proven Battleground

Virginia International Raceway (VIR) is no stranger to Hyundai's success. The 3.270-mile, 17-turn road circuit has seen Hyundai's TCR machines dominate the field in recent years. In 2022, Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis delivered a stunning victory, propelling Hyundai to a Drivers’ Championship. The following year, Harry Gottsacker and Robert Wickens kept the momentum alive, securing a double podium finish. As Hyundai returns to VIR on August 24, they bring not just a legacy of success but also an unyielding determination to add another victory to their storied history.

photo  The No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Preston Brown and Denis Dupont is photographed during The Road America 120 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., August 3, 2024. (Photo/Bryan Herta Autosport/LAT)


Racing for a Cause: Hyundai Hope On Wheels

Beyond the glory of the racetrack, Hyundai races with a purpose. In 2024, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has pledged $100 for every lap led by a Hyundai Elantra N TCR in the IMPC season. This initiative, aimed at fighting childhood cancer, has already raised over $17,000 in just seven events. It's a powerful reminder that Hyundai's victories extend far beyond the finish line, touching the lives of those in need.

The Road Ahead

With the eighth round of the IMPC schedule just days away, the green flag is set to wave at 2:15 p.m. EDT on August 24. As Hyundai's Elantra N TCR machines take on the twists and turns of Virginia International Raceway, the stakes couldn't be higher. For Hyundai, this race is about more than just points—it's about proving once again why they are the team to beat, all while driving change on and off the track.

photo  

For more info, visit www.hyundainews.com/en-us/