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Gottsacker, Wickens Race from Last to Third at VIR

Posted on by Katie Brannan
24
Aug

Wickens, Gottsacker Race from Last to Third at VIR

Defending Champions jump to second in the points standings

· Hyundai improves Manufacturers’ Championship lead for the 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Championship (IMPC) with sixth double-podium result

· Bryson Morris earns first IMSA pole position

· Hyundai drivers raise $5,400 for Hyundai Hope on Wheels by leading 54 laps

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 26, 2024 – Hyundai extended its Manufacturers’ Championship lead in the 2024 IMPC series as the automaker secured a sixth double-podium finish of the season. Hyundai entries occupied three of the top four places as the No. 33 cars battled from the back of the field to secure podium results.

Robert Wickens and Harry Gottsacker fought from the back of the TCR field after a penalty negated their second place in qualifying. Despite the setback, Wickens found blistering pace, expertly maneuvering the No. 33 car through the field. After the driver change, Gottsacker moved into podium contention as he battled with teammate Mason Filippi in the No. 98 car for the final podium position, eventually securing a third-place finish. This impressive drive improved the No. 33 car’s championship standings, with the driver duo moving into second place in the 2024 IMPC Drivers’ Championship.

Mark Wilkins started in second place and held onto the position for the opening stages of the race, matching the pace of teammate and pole sitter Bryson Morris in the No. 77 car. However, during a pit stop under a caution period, traffic caused Mason Filippi to enter the race further down the field. After cutting through traffic, Filippi battled with Gottsacker and Gonzalez in the No. 33 and No. 99 cars before bringing home a solid fourth-place finish.

After securing his first IMPC pole position, Bryson Morris and co-driver Taylor Hagler finished sixth in the No. 77 Hyundai Elantra N TCR after their strategy was disrupted by yellow flags.

Hyundai now leads the Manufacturers’ Championship by 60 points. Up next, the Hyundai teams are set to take on the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 120 on Sept. 21, 2024.

Photos and Quotes Below
The #76 Elantra N TCR (top) and the #98 Elantra N TCR race at Road America on Saturday, August 5, 2024.

#33 Elantra N TCR

2023 CHAMPIONS

Started: 3rd Finished: 7th 2024 Rank: 3rd (1980pts)

Harry Gottsacker: “We bounced back and were able to score a podium at VIR! We have two more shots for victory at Indy and Road Atlanta and we need those to keep closing the points gap. Thank you to the #33 crew for all the hard work as we didn’t make it easy on them this weekend.”

 
Robert Wickens: “I made an unfortunate mistake in qualifying, but thankfully the team had our back. They did an amazing job rallying together to get our engine changed out and ready for the start of the race. Unfortunately, we lost out P2 start and had to start last but that didn’t stop us from moving forward. We kept to the game plan and ran a great race. Harry took over the car in P5 and did the hard work to get us into the podium for a hard-earned P3. It was a great reward for the whole BHA team after a long day of hard work.”

#76 Elantra N TCR

Started: 6th Finish: 10th 2024 Rank: 2nd (1990pts)
Denis Dupont: “Unfortunately we had a small mechanical issue that cost us a few laps and any chance to fight for a podium. We had a strong race car and the race was unfolding as hoped up to that point. We will come back stronger for Indianapolis.”
Preston Brown: “It was a frustrating race at home. Collectively the team work diligently to get us back on track. We will keep pushing.”

 

#77 Elantra N TCR

Started: 5th Finished: 6th 2024 Rank: 7th (1690pts)

Taylor Hagler: “We had a productive weekend at VIR, but unfortunately, we didn’t have the result we hoped for. Bryson (Morris) did a great job in qualifying and the No. 77 BHA crew executed well on strategy and pitstops. We were in position for a podium result until the last restart. It was tight going into turn one and we all ran out of track. We will bounce back at IMS in September.”
Bryson Morris: “It was a great race, winning the pole and running up front thorughout my stint.  Every weekend we are getting stronger and I’m looking forward to our first podium.”

#98 Elantra N TCR

Started: 2nd Finished: 2nd 2024 Rank: 4th (1920)
Mason Filippi: “This was an excellent race for the Manufactures championship. We had a quick car and fought very hard. I cannot wait for the season’s final races to push for our first win. Mark drove an incredible first stint, and our BHA crew made a great stop. There are two more to go!”
Mark Wilkins: “P4 and progress in the drivers’ championship. I enjoyed the opportunity to qualify and had a good race start from the front row. I settled into P2 and ran a strong opening stint. Our guys did a great job in the pits and our strategy put us in the right spot for the second half of the race. Mason pushed hard and had some good battles up front. It’s a tight fight in both the manufacturers and drivers’ championships; anything can happen and scoring well in the final two races will be critical. I’m looking forward to Indy next month and another shot at the top step of the podium.”
Katie Brannan

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