Hyundai assume the Manufacturers’ Championship lead in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Championship (IMPC) with a podium from the No. 98 Hyundai Elantra N TCR
· The No. 98 car drivers Mark Wilkins and Mason Filippi secure their third podium of the 2024 IMPC season
· Hyundai and Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) raise $2,900 for Hyundai Hope on Wheels after leading 29 laps
· Hyundai drivers raise $2,900 for Hyundai Hope on Wheels after leading 29 laps
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 5, 2024 – Hyundai has taken control of the Manufacturers’ Championship in the 2024 IMPC series after an exceptional podium drive at Road America from Mark Wilkins and Mason Filippi in their No. 98 Hyundai Elantra N TCR. After trailing for the first six rounds of the 2024 IMPC campaign, Hyundai now holds a 20-point lead over the competition heading into the season’s final three races.
After starting in second place, driver Mason Filippi was quick to find pace at the legendary Wisconsin road course, as both the No. 98 and No. 33 BHA team cars battled for the lead in the opening stages of the 120-minute race. After an hour of racing, a caution brought both cars into the pits for fuel and a driver change. However, a drive-through penalty from the pitstop for the No. 33 car forced Robert Wickens out of the battle for the lead as Mark Wilkins took over in the No. 98. Wilkins settled in quickly, finding solid pace and moving the No. 98 car into fourth position. Fueling strategy came into play during the closing laps as fuel issues among the TCR front runners allowed Wilkins to grab second place on the final lap of the race, capturing the Manufacturer’s Championship lead for Hyundai.
The No. 76 car driven by Preston Brown and Denis Dupont once again showed strong pace as the driver duo found themselves leading the race in the closing stages after starting in sixth. However, low fuel in the closing stint caused the team to lose the race lead on the last lap, finishing tenth.
The No. 77 car of Taylor Hagler and Bryson Morris crossed the line in sixth as the driver pairing continue a streak of impressive performances.
Following the seventh round of IMPC competition, Hyundai now leads the Manufacturers’ Championship by 20 points. Up next, the Hyundai stable of racers is set to take on Virginia International Raceway on Aug. 24, 2024.
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