Back to Battle on the Runways, BHA Returns to Sebring

FAST FACTS:

Unfinished business: It was an epic battle to the finish line in 2022 at Sebring with Michael Lewis narrowly finishing second. Defending series Champions Lewis and his co-driver Taylor Hagler finished third in 2021, and second in 2022, will they take the next step up on the podium in 2023? Teammates Mark Wilkins and Harry Gottsacker are the only BHA drivers’ who’ve won at Sebring, they swept both races as co-drivers in 2020. Mason Filippi is the defending pole winner; he earned his first IMSA pole position at Sebring in 2022.

Daytona Review: The new for 2023 driver pairing of Mason Filippi and Mark Wilkins led the BHA squad with a podium at Daytona. The pair finished third in their debut as co-drivers, while teammates Harry Gottsacker and Robert Wickens and Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis overcame adversity to finish sixth and eighth respectively.

TEAM USA: Hyundai Motor America (HMA) recently announced their entry in the ADAC TotalEnergies 24 Hours at Nürburgring. BHA drivers Taylor Hagler, Michael Lewis, Harry Gottsacker IV and Mason Filippi are teaming up to race an Elantra N TCR with the championship winning team, Target Competition. The drivers will make six trips to Germany in preparation for the event for mandatory licensing courses, the Nürburgring Endurance Races (NLS) and qualifying races to become eligible for the legendary Nürburgring 24, set for May 20, 2023.

FRA-MCO-FRA: Having completed their first journey to Nürburgring last weekend, Team USA was successful in earning their B permit. They arrived in Sebring on Tuesday from Nürburgring and will depart for their return to Germany as soon as the checkered flag falls in Sebring on Thursday. It’s going to be a tight turnaround to make it back to Germany in time to take the green flag for the first NLS race at Nürburgring on Saturday. Each driver must compete in the NLS races and meet requirements on the demanding circuit to earn the A permit in order to compete in the 24-Hour race.

Taylor Hagler: “Sebring International Raceway is an iconic track that I look forward to visiting every year. Every visit, I get closer and closer to a win there in IMSA and that is my goal this year. We’ve had a month to prepare, test and focus on the goal at hand – standing on the top step of the podium.” ‌

Michael Lewis: “We’ve got a busy month of racing with IMSA and racing at the Nürburgring and it’s awesome. IMSA is the focus and having tested at Sebring it is great as we are ready to go for the race. You just switch to IMSA mode and the team and car are ready to go. Sebring is a fun track and it’s super cool to see all the fans there for the 12 Hour weekend.” ‌

Harry Gottsacker IV: “It’s been quite the journey getting back from Germany for Sebring, but it’s worth it to chase the victory! We really had a battle with Mother Nature and the weather to be able to get back here to Florida. Now that travel is behind us, it’s full focus ahead. Robert and I had a great test a few weeks ago, and were planning on using that to push us into a strong position this weekend.”

Robert Wickens: “Daytona didn’t go our way, but we put a solid team effort in to come home p.6. I believe the adversity we faced will make us stronger this weekend in Sebring. the goal is to get back on the podium, and I believe we have all the tools we need to get it done.”

Mason Filippi: “From The Ring to Sebring and back to The Ring, it is an amazing couple of weeks of on track action. Staying in the racing flow is amazing, and we are ready to take on Sebring and go for our first win of the year in a stacked field. Our Hyundai, ELANTRAN TCR is ready for the bumps.”

Mark Wilkins: “Mason and I started off our season on the right foot with a podium finish at Daytona. Sebring has traditionally been a great track for me; many victories here over the years and most recently two wins in the 2020 season! We had a good test and continue to improve on our already solid setup. The Elantra N TCR is made for challenging technical circuits like Sebring. Mason and I are focused on our championship ambitions and will be looking for the top step of the podium and collecting as many points as possible. Off track, we look forward to welcoming our friends from the N Club who have been such great supporters of ours and who showed up in huge numbers at Daytona! The N community is super passionate and we look forward to putting on more great racing for them at Sebring!”