Articles, In the News, Michelin Pilot Challenge

Double Podium and Money Raised for Pediatric Cancer Research at IMS

Posted on by Katie Brannan
18
Sep

Hyundai Earns Double Podium Finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

  • Points Leaders Robert Wickens and Harry Gottsacker Earn Second Place Finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  • Hyundai Hope On Wheels Raised $10,800 for Riley Hospital for Children After Leading 108 Laps
  • Mark Wilkins and Mason Filippi Round Out Podium with Third Place
  • Wickens and Gottsacker Continue to Lead TCR Drivers’ Championship by 20 Points

 

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 18, 2023 – Hyundai Motor America continued their pursuit of the 2023 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Championship (IMPC) titles with the second endurance race of the season. Playing host to the penultimate event on the IMPC calendar, the 2.439-mile road course inside the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway was not short of action across the four hours of racing. Bryan Herta Autosport’s (BHA) and current TCR Drivers’ Championship leaders, Robert Wickens and Harry Gottsacker, qualified as the highest Hyundai Elantra N TCR to start on the front row, second in class – behind championship rivals in the No. 17 Audi. As the field came to the green flag, it was BHA teammates Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis to the lead on the opening lap of the race after starting third and continued to control the lead through the first half of the race with the No. 98 Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Mark Wilkins and Mason Filippi in second position. During the No. 33’s first pit stop, the pair of Robert Wickens and Harry Gottsacker, served a drive through penalty due to a fueling issue and were cycled to the back of the field before working their way back to podium contention later in the race.

 

As the clock continued to wind down, the points leaders in the No. 33 were able to work their way back into podium contention after the pit lane penalty early on. With one hour left on the clock, the battle between championship rivals in the No. 17 Audi and No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR intensified as Robert Wickens took the lead following the final pit stop sequence. A late race caution with under 20 minutes to go brought the field back together causing Wickens in the No. 33 and the No. 17 Audi to go side-by-side battling for position before the No. 17 Audi ultimately took the lead position. Wickens crossed the finish line in second and the BHA teammate pairing of Mason Filippi and Mark Wilkins finished in third to complete the podium. With seven Hyundai Elantra N TCRs competing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, all entries finished in the top ten of the TCR class for the endurance event.

 

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway 240 marked the celebration of Hyundai’s Hope On Wheels 25th Anniversary which saw the No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR dressed in a special livery for the event and for the upcoming season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Children’s handprints, representing the collective fight against pediatric cancer and hope for a cure, were displayed on the No. 33 car’s livery as a tribute to Hyundai Hope On Wheels’ colorful awareness campaign. In honor of the Hyundai Hope On Wheels 25th Anniversary, $100 will be donated to Riley Hospital for Children for every lap led by a Hyundai Elantra N TCR during Saturday’s race and Hyundai raised $10,800 after 108 laps led for the Indianapolis-based children’s hospital.

 

With only one race remaining for 2023, Hyundai heads to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for the Fox Factory 120 on Friday, October 13, 2023, ready to defend their championship titles.

-HMA-

#1 Hyundai Elantra N TCR

2021 and 2022 Drivers/Team CHAMPIONS

Started: 2nd Finished: 5th Rank: 6th 2180 pts
Taylor Hagler: “Everyone knows what they say about Indy – this place picks its winners. It is disappointing to have a great first half of the race and not be able to come home with a result to show how strong we were. The No. 1 BHA team called a good strategy that put us at the front of the field, but we weren’t able to be there when it mattered. We only have one more race left and it is hard to believe the end of the season is here. I love Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and have fond memories there so I am looking forward to getting back there.”
Michael Lewis: “It was an exciting race from the cockpit and I am sure for the fans as well. Driving at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is always and honor, but to compete at night was really special. We had a great car, led 56 laps which combined with all of the other Hyundai’s turned into a great donation for pediatric cancer research, and I am proud to be a part of that.”

#33 Elantra N TCR

Started: 2nd Finished: 2nd Rank: 1st – 2730 pts
Harry Gottsacker IV: “It was great to put the #33 on the podium with Hyundai Hope on Wheels on our car. We led a lot of laps to help support this great charity and we were honored to have Rainey Clark with us. It was a great race and a huge battle yesterday and we were again so close to victory! We’ve kept the points lead and we’re gonna be fighting for the win at Road Atlanta to bring this championship home.”
Robert Wickens: “I’m really proud of the race we ran on the #33 car. I feel we got the most out of all aspects of the race. The team did a great job. We came up just short of the win, but we still hold the championship lead heading into the finaly at Road Atlanta. Best of all, we raised a lot of money with our laps led for Riley’s Childrens Hospital, thank you Hyundai.”

#98 Elantra N TCR

Started: 4th Finished: 3rd Rank: 3rd 2600 pts
Mason Filippi: “it was really cool to have Hyundai’s lead so many laps to racing money for Hyundai Hope on Wheel’s donation to the local children’s hospital. Our #98 team fought hard, we ended up third, it was awesome racing at Indy.”
Mark Wilkins: “I really enjoyed the opportunity to race at IMS. I love the long races and especially racing into the dark, made it really exciting. It was a hard fight. Another podium and Masono drove a great opening stint that put us in a good position to get a great result. Most importantly, Hyundai’s led 108 laps which meant we raised a lot of money for Riley’s Childrens Hospital here in Indy. It was great having Rainie Clark with us this weekend, she is champion.”

The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge field at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 16, 2023.

On the podium following the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 240 on Saturday, September 16, 2023. L-R: Second place finishers Robert Wicken and Harry Gottsacker IV, HHOW Youth Ambassador Rainie Clark, Hyundai Director of Performance Marketing Paul Imhoff, third place finishers Mark Wilkins and Mason Filippi.

The #33 Hyundai Hope on Wheels Elantra N TCR leads the field at night at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. BHA Hyundai’s led 100 laps of the 142 laps.

INDYCAR Drivers and friends suprise Robert Wickens on the grid at IMS prior to the start of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Race. L-R: Alexander Rossi, Conor Daly, Felix Rosenquist, Jack Harvey, Daniel Juncadella and Marcus Ericsson

Hyundai’s Dir. of Performance Marketing, Paul Imhoff, Robert Wickens, HHOW National Youth Ambassador Rainie Clark and Harry Gottsacker in front of the #33 Hyundai Hope on Wheels Elantra N TCR at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, September 15, 2023.
Katie Brannan

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