Articles, In the News, Michelin Pilot Challenge

BHA sets Record with Denis Dupont and Preston Brown’s Thrilling Win at Daytona

Posted on by Katie Brannan
25
Jan
  • Denis Dupont and Preston Brown scored first win for Hyundai and BHA at Daytona
  • BHA and Hyundai have now won at all tracks on the IMPC schedule
  • Bryson Morris sets new track record with pole-winning qualifying time
  • Hyundai’s lead 105 laps, resulting in Hyundai Hope on Wheels $10,500 donation to Advent Central Health for Children

Denis Dupont and Preston Brown scored Hyundai’s first win at Daytona International Speedway on Friday at the BMW Endurance 120, the 2025 season opener for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

Bryson Morris and Mark Wilkins challenged the #76 to the checkers, missing the victory by just 0.067 of a second.

Having won five straight team and driver championships from 2019 – 2023, Bryan Herta Autosport had claimed victory at every track on the IMPC schedule except Daytona. Team owner Bryan Herta commented on the #76 Elantra N TCR teams’ Daytona victory, “This place is amazing and has so much history, so to win here is special,” Herta said. “You know, this place and Indianapolis Motor Speedway are ‘cathedrals of speed’ in our sport. This one has eluded us, so I’m very proud to get it.”

Bryson Morris kicked off the event on a high note when he shattered the Daytona International Speedway TCR track record with his pole winning lap of 1:56.457/110.049 mph. Morris and co-driver Mark Wilkins fought for victory until the end and led a series high 48 laps.

BHA newcomers and series rookies Maddie Aust and Suellio Almeida earned a top five finish in their IMSA debut. Aust qualified sixth and the pair ran as high as third before finishing fourth in their first IMSA race.

The #98 Elantra N TCR team of Harry Gottsacker and Mason Filippi started on the front row. Their luck turned early in the race when Gottsacker suffered a cut tire. Gottsacker was forced to limp the #98 to the pits and as a result lost laps. The pair finished eighth.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels will donate $100 to local children’s hospitals for every lap led by Hyundai in the 2025 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season. Hyundais led 105 of 109 laps in the BMW Endurance 120 at Daytona, resulting in $10,500 for Advent Health for Children.

Photos and Quotes Below

Members of the N Club FL, N Club Georgia, N Club NC and N Club TN celebrate BHA’s 1-2 finish on the podium at Daytona Internationals Speedway on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Bryson Morris celebrates his pole winning lap at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, January 23, 2025

The Hyundai Drivers’ on flight simulators at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in preparation for their season opener at Daytona. NBC’s WESH 2 News covered the story.

#9 Elantra N TCR

Started: 6th Finished: 4th

Maddie Aust (R) and Suellio Almeda (R)
Maddie Aust: “It was an incredible experience, completing my first IMSA race weekend and my first race at Daytona. I qualified sixth and we finished inside the top five, which I think was a strong debut. I’ve learned so much from the BHA team and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together this season!”
Suellio Almeida: “It was a rollercoaster of emotions as we went down a lap behind and then managed to recover to finish fourth! It was a great learning experience and I am more confident than ever that we will get good results at the next round in Sebring. I was also shocked with the amount of fans during the gridwalk and honored to be there at such a great event, I am still pinching myself!”

#33 Elantra N TCR

Started: 1st Finished: 2nd

Laps Led: 48

Bryson Morris and Mark Wilkins
Bryson Morris: “Really good Daytona event for the #33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR crew coming home with a new track record in qualifying kbrannan@bryanhertaautosport.com and P2 in the race! This is very good for our 2025 championship and we will keep pushing hard to get a win next time out in Sebring!”
Mark Wilkins: “What a start to the season! A 1-2 for Hyundai to start the year is huge. Daytona has notoriously been one of the toughest tracks for us but that certainly wasn’t the case this year. Congratulations to Denis and Preston on their win. It was a great battle at the end and although we got close, it wasn’t close enough. Lots of hard work in preparation put us in a great position and a huge thank-you to our crew for giving us a mega strong Elantra N TCR. Bryson delivered lap record qualifying performance and gave a pro drive throughout his stint. I had a fun run to the checkered and some good battles. A very strong points day but not a win so we will focus forward and look to get on the top step at Sebring in March. Hyundais led many laps at Daytona in support of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, an awesome start on that front. I also want to mention the N Club Florida and Georgia. Thanks for coming down and cheering us on! Fitness camp coming up! The season is underway, and we are flat out!”

#76 Elantra N TCR

Started: 9th Finished: 1st

Laps Led: 26

Denis Dupont and Preston Brown
Denis Dupont: “Winning at Daytona is always special, but making history with Hyundai’s first win here in seven years is truly unforgettable. Preston and I gave it everything, and it all paid off. Grateful for this moment and the incredible team behind us!”
Preston Brown: “What a day for Hyundai! The Elantra N TCR was dominant all weekend, and it’s an incredible feeling to contribute to its success at Daytona. This win showcases the incredible performance of this car and the strength of the Hyundai brand in Sports Car racing.”

 

#98 Elantra N TCR

Started: 2nd Finished: 8th

Harry Gottsacker IV and Mason Filippi
Harry Gottsacker IV: “We put a lot of good work in and came a long way at Daytona to prepare a great Elantra N TCR for the race. Unfortunately, a flat tire really spoiled our day and our chance to fight for the top spot. It was a great day for the BHA team as a whole and congrats for the 1-2 finish. The #98 will come back strong in Sebring!”
Mason Filippi: “It was great to raise so much money for Advent Health Children’s Hospital with the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Lap Leader Donation program at Daytona. Our BHA family was on point with a 1-2 finish. Our #98 Elantra N TCR team is ready for a comeback at Sebring! We’re fast and hungry for a win!”
Katie Brannan

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