In the News, Michelin Pilot Challenge

BHA Brings Momentum to IMS

Posted on by Katie Brannan
20
Sep

Tire Rack Battle On The Bricks

Round 9 of the 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge

August 23-24, 2024

Racetrack: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

2.439-mile road course features 14 turns

Race: Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 1:05pm EST (2- Hour Race)

TV: Live on NBC’s PEACOCK: www.peacock.tv

Listen: Live radio commentary for every session at www.IMSA.com and RadioLeMans.com Live timing and scoring from each session available at www.IMSA.com. Live updates are available throughout the weekend on BHA social media and www.bryanhertaautosport.com

 

FAST FACTS:

Press Conference: There will be a press conference with Robert Wickens and Bosch on Saturday, September 21st in the IMS media center.

7 for 7: At least one BHA Elantra N TCR has finished on the podium in all seven events this year. The team has two victories (Mid-Ohio #76 and CTMP #33), and 12 additional podium finishes.

Down To The Wire: BHA teams hold three out of the top four positions in the IMPC points standings heading into the penultimate race at Indy. Robert Wicken and Harry Gottsacker are in second, hoping to defend their 2023 title, with Denis Dupont and Preston Brown third and Mason Filippi and Mark Wilkins third.

Hyundai Up Front: Hyundai leads the manufacturers’ chase by 60 points over Audi, followed by Honda in third and Alfa Romeo in fourth.

A Look Inside: Located less than a mile on Main Street in Speedway, Marshall Pruett visited the BHA headquarters this week to give fans a look inside: https://youtu.be/MPUItdR1gQs?si=qTw2tDyoZaU-OZQQ

Lap Leaders: Bryson Morris and Taylor Hagler are knocking on the podium’s door. Morris led 30 laps at the previous round at VIR.

$24,000k So Far: Hyundai Hope On Wheels has pledged to donate $100 for every lap a Hyundai Elantra N TCR leads during every race of the 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season. Riley Children’s Health will receive the donation based on laps led this weekend at VIR. 2024 Season Tally: 240 Laps =$24,000 (Daytona: 12, Sebring: 21, Laguna Seca 23, Mid-Ohio 44, Watkins Glen 22, CTMP 35, Road America 29 and 54 at VIR).

Photos and Quotes Below
Top: Quick Work: The #77 team completes a driver change during their pitstop at VIR. Middle and bottom: Elantra’s lead the field at VIR on Saturday, August 24, 2022.

#33 Elantra N TCR

2023 CHAMPIONS

2024 Best Start:1st (Daytona, Sebring, CTMP) 2024 Best Finish: 1st (CTMP) 2024 Rank: 2nd (2280pts)

Harry Gottsacker: “We had a good run last year at Indy with a podium finish and we are focused on putting together a complete weekend. I think we will have a great car and it’s special to race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in any category. It’s a home race for the team and we’re looking forward to a fun weekend!

Robert Wickens: “IMS is always has such an awesome atmosphere. The fans love racing of all types. I am lucky enough to have two home races a year with the IMSA schedule. We managed to win our first one at CTMP in July. Our goal is pretty simple this weekend. WIN. If we want to have a chance at defending our championship, the #33 car will have to make the most of these last two races. We almost won it last year with an awesome finish under the lights and hopefully we can do one position better this time around.”

#76 Elantra N TCR

2024 Best Start: 6th (Road America) 2024 Best Finish: 1st (Mid-Ohio)

 2024 Rank: 3rd (2210pts)
Denis Dupont: “I’m looking forward to Indy! Last year was an amazing battle with Mark and Robert. I’m sure this year will be as entertaining and exciting for the fans.

Preston and I are ready for redemption after Virginia.”

 
Preston Brown: “Because we have had some struggles in the previous two races, we are even more motivated for a good result in Indianapolis. The Brickyard is a great place for racing for both fans and competitors, and we will give it everything we’ve got to get back on the podium this weekend.”

 

#77 Elantra N TCR

2024 Best Start: 4th (Sebring) 2024 Best Finish: 4th (CTMP)

2024 Rank: 7th (1940pts)
Taylor Hagler: “Heading back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is something I look forward to. The support from the community and the fan turnout for this event is so positive to see. We have data from past years that we have learned from and can implement this weekend. While the road course is flat in comparison to other tracks, the oval banking is a unique factor here. Bryson and I will continue to push as we have to get the No. 77 back on the podium at BHA’s home race.”
Bryson Morris: “Taylor and I have a lot of momentum going into this raceweekend. We’ve both been putting in a lot of miles at other tracks, keeping our focus sharp. Our Engineer Meghan Ryder has been giving us great cars and we’ve been consistently flirting with the podium.”

#98 Elantra N TCR

2024 Best Start: 2nd (Road America) 2024 Best Finish: 2nd (Road America)

2024 Rank: 3rd (2190)
Mason Filippi: “Looking forward to Indy! It is an iconic track and produces great racing. Overall our #98 Elantra N TCR car has been strong and we are pushing hard for our first win of the season. The Elantra N TCR gives the precision we need at Indy for a strong team result.”
Mark Wilkins: “I’m really looking forward to getting back to Indy. This was one of my favorite races of last season thanks to some great on-track battles.

Coming off of a huge Hyundai N meet and the 9th anniversary celebration for N, I’m pumped and hope to carry that enthusiasm straight into the weekend!

Full focus on the manufacturers championship and another shot at racing to the top step of the podium! Let’s GO!”
Katie Brannan

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