Victorious at VIR, Hagler and Lewis Extend Points Lead with Victory

Victorious at VIR,

Hagler and Lewis Score their First Win of the Season

Maxson, Filippi charge to second place

Defending series champions, and current points leaders Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis scored their first victory of the season in the series penultimate round on Saturday at VIRginia International Raceway. Tyler Maxson and Mason Filippi finished second in the #77 Elantra N TCR.

It was a perfect day for the #1 Elantra N TCR crew and drivers. Taylor Hagler drove a stellar opening stint, racing from eighth to fourth in the first 54 minutes when she pitted to turn the car over to co-driver Michael Lewis. The pitstop was flawless, rewarding the drivers with an extra position, Lewis returned to the track in fourth position.

From there he had a hard-fought battle with Hyundai driver Rory van der Steur in the #19 Veloster, and then BHA sister car Parker Chase in the #98 Elantra N TCR. Front row starters Chase and teammate Harry Gottsacker had a strong car, and led 31 laps. It was an exciting battle for the lead, as Lewis and Chase sparred for position, but ultimately Lewis passed Chase for good with 16 laps remaining.

A master at tire managment and fuel saving, Lewis was able to race to the checkers when most of the field yearned for a yellow flag to conserve fuel. The yellow flag came with less than ten laps to go, then returned to green for a two-lap shoot-out at the end. Lewis had a strong re-start and prevailed for the win.

Hagler and Lewis entered VIR with just a 30-point lead in the series standings. The defending champions knew finishing ahead of the second place Alfa Romeo at VIR was imperative. Their win at VIR extended their series points lead to 100 point clear of the Alfa Romeo with just one race to go.

Mason Filippi and Tyler Maxson have experienced the throws of highs and lows this season. They opened the year strong, with each driver winning a pole position in the first two races at Daytona and Sebring. Challenges prevailed mid-season, but they’ve come on strong in the last string of races with a third at Lime Rock, seventh at Road America, and their best result of 2022, second at VIR.

The series finale, the Fox Factory 120 at Road Atlanta is Friday, September 30th at 1:10pm. Watch live on NBC’s Peacock.

Of Note:

Bryan Herta Autosport Results from

Round 9 at VIRgina International Raceway

1st: #1 Elantra N TCR – Taylor Hagler (started) and Michael Lewis(finished)

2nd: #77 Elantra N TCR – Mason Filippi (started) and Tyler Maxson (finished)

5th: #54 Veloster N TCR – Michael Johnson (Started) and Stephen Simpson (finished)

7th: #2 Elantra N TCR – AJ Muss (started) and Ryan Norman (finished)

8th: #98 Elantra N TCR – Harry Gottsacker (started) and Parker Chase (finished)

11th: #33 Elantra N TCR – Mark Wilkins (started) and Robert Wickens (DNF – Electrical)

Current IMSA Michelin Points Standings

1st: Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis 2620 pts

3rd: Harry Gottsacker and Parker Chase 2330 pts

tied

4th: Michael Johnson and Stephen Simipson 2330 pts

5th: Robert Wickens 2320 pts

8th: Mark Wilkins 2120 pts*

9th: Mason Filippi and Tyler Maxson 2110 pts

11th: AJ Muss and Ryan Norman 1980 pts

*Mark Wilkins did not participate in the race at Mid Ohio, therefore he is ranked differntly than co-driver Robert Wickens.

For images, standings and more, visit www.bryanhertaautosport.com

1st PLACE: Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis

#1 Elantra N TCR

Taylor Hagler: “This win is an emotional one. I’ve never had a great result here at VIR in TCR, so this is very rewarding. The BHA crew was outstanding in the pits, and our engineer, Stefano (Galante) gave us the tools do get the job done. Giving us some cushion in defense of our championship going into the finale at Road Atlanta is a relief. I’m proud of my drive today and Michael’s was brilliant, I couldn’t be happier!”

Michael Lewis: “We won! What an awesome team effort! Thank you to the whole team for all their hard work to put us in position to win. Taylor did such an excellent job keeping our Hyundai Elantra N up front and saving our equipment. A super fast pit stop got us another spot and from there we were able to bring it home.”

2nd Place: Mason Filippi and Tyler Maxson

#77 Hyundai Elantra N TCR

Tyler Maxson: “It’s awesome, man, the guys at BHA did an incredible job and the Hyundai Elantra N TCR car was on rails today. It’s so fun to get a podium for these guys, they’ve worked so hard all year, and I am just so happy for them.”

Mason Filippi: “I am so happy for the crew. They bust their butts every single day at the shop and every single day a the track and it’s awesome to get out here and hit it with some champagne! It was an amazing second stint from Tyler and wild conditions, this is awesome.”