LIME ROCK PARK, CT, July 19, 2021 – Hyundai driver Taylor Hagler became the first female to win in the TCR category of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and score her first professional racing victory in the Lime Rock Park 120. Driving the #77 Hyundai Veloster N TCR, Hagler and co-driver Michael Lewis have finished on the podium in five of six races this season. It was Lewis’ sixth victory driving for Hyundai and Bryan Herta Autosport. Hagler and Lewis extended their points lead to 1850, 250 points ahead of second place. The win elevated Hyundai to second in the manufacturers’ championship, just 20 points out of first place with four races remaining.
Hyundai Racing Highlights
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- Tyler Gonzalez and Tyler Maxson, the 16-year-old rookie driver pairing, piloting the #27 Hyundai Veloster N TCR for Copeland Motorsports, had a breakout performance. Gonzalez qualified first, scoring his first pole position, and Maxson took the checkered flag in third position, earning their first 2021 podium finish in IMSA racing.
- Driving the #33 Elantra N TCR, Mark Wilkins set the fastest lap of the race (lap 44) at 55.069 seconds.
Quotes:
Taylor Hagler: “This win is a big relief. It has been a long time coming and we’ve worked hard for it. My Hyundai Veloster N TCR was perfect out there. The conditions were extremely challenging with 35 cars on a short circuit. The traffic was intense. We had the tools to get it done and our strategy and pit stops were absolutely perfect. I’ve got to hand it to the BHA crew and Hyundai. This is a team sport. The competition is extremely intense and requires us to be perfect to win. I am proud I did my part and grateful for my incredible teammate Michael Lewis. I am in awe of his racing talents. Together, we are completely focused on winning the championship.”
Michael Lewis: “It was an exciting run to the checkers. Our margin of victory was just 0.134 seconds over the Alfa Romeo. Taylor’s drive was awesome, she is fast and consistent, and she kept the tires and the car clean for me to race to the end. This win today is really rewarding, it’s great to be a part of my teammate’s first win and I am happy to see Hyundai strengthen their numbers in the points championship. Consistency is key in a competitive championship. We’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing, with our eyes on the title at the end of the season.”
