With two drivers already confirmed to their IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge program for 2021, Copeland Motorsports has confirmed another duo behind the wheel of the potent Hyundai Veloster N TCR. Professional Snowboarder and Olympian AJ Muss will co-drive with former Copeland Motorsports multi-time race winner Mason Filippi as the pair joins the already confirmed teenage duo of Tyler Maxson and Tyler Gonzalez for a complete 2021 campaign.
“I am really excited to add another confirmed driver duo to our IMSA program as we ready for the first green flag of the season,” explained Dean Copeland. “AJ is an athlete and knows what it takes to win. Driving alongside Mason will only elevate his performance at the pointy end of the field.”
Muss, who enters 2021 with one IMSA event under his belt, will make his 2021 Michelin Pilot Challenge debut at the Daytona International Speedway January 28-29. The week prior, Muss and Filippi will take part in the Roar Before the Rolex 24 test sessions to get familiar with the Copeland Motorsports squad and Hyundai Veloster N TCR car. Additionally, the pair will work alongside the Copeland Motorsports sister car of Maxson and Gonzalez.
“My goal for 2021 with the Copeland Motorsports Hyundai Veloster N IMSA TCR program is to build a strong relationship with the team and my co-driver, to learn all that I can on the TCR Series and to finish strong at the end of the season,” explained AJ Muss, who will also compete in the Olympics in 2021 in Tokyo. “Copeland Motorsports has proven that they are winners and champions, and I personally hope that I can help them carry on their winning heritage.”
“I am incredibly excited to rejoin Copeland Motorsports next year with AJ in the IMSA program,” added Mason Filippi. “Copeland Motorsports is an incredible team with many successes, and I am looking forward to pushing hard and battle for the top step of the podium. Thank you to Bryan Herta Autosport and Hyundai for this great position. I am already itching to jump into the Veloster N TCR at Daytona.”
Muss continued, “Copeland Motorsports has the tools to succeed and to develop me as a driver. Dean and his entire program have the same fighting attitude I have and can’t wait to get in the car and bring home some hardware. Being a two-sport athlete is very difficult, but extremely rewarding at the same time. The are many similarities between competing in the Olympics, and competing in professional motorsports; both require training, dedication, and supreme focus to perform at the highest level possible. In addition, both carry a danger level.”
With two Hyundai Veloster N TCR cars now set for the 2021 season, Copeland Motorsports hold the possibility of adding a third if the right drivers and program presented itself.
