Hyundai Motor displayed impressive performance in the Alan Jay Automotive 120 race at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida on Friday, earning two spots on the podium. The result marked the second double-podium finish for Hyundai of the 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) season, backing up a strong double-podium result at the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.
The 120-minute race started out strong, with Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) driver Harry Gottsacker in the No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR taking the green flag from pole position for the second time in two races. The race provided plenty of obstacles, including yellow flags which hindered the No. 33 and No. 98 BHA Elantra N TCR cars after they showed fantastic pace throughout qualifying and the race. The No. 12 Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Nick Tucker and five-time Rolex 24 At Daytona winner Andy Lally made their IMPC debut with StarCom Racing and immediately got up to speed, ending the race in second place, just ahead of the No. 33 of Robert Wickens.
Morgan Burkhard and Chase Jones, drivers of the Victor Gonzalez Racing Team No. 80 Hyundai Elantra N TCR unofficially crossed the finish line in second place, but were moved to the rear of the field after a post-race infraction relegated the team to P13. The No. 12 and No. 33 Elantra N TCR teams earned podium positions after the disqualification of the No. 80 car.
As the checkered flag waved, Hyundai took home six of the top-ten finishing positions. Fourth place was secured by the No. 76 piloted by Preston Brown and Denis Dupont, sixth position was earned by the No. 98 piloted by Mason Filippi and Mark Wilkins, seventh position went to the No. 99 piloted by Victor Gonzalez and Tyler Gonzalez, and ninth position went to the No. 77 piloted by Taylor Hagler and Bryson Morris.
Hyundai Motor America’s stable showed impressive perseverance as Bryson Morris in the No. 77 car secured the fastest TCR lap of the day with a lap time of 2:14.397 around the historic 3.74-mile, 17-turn road course.
Following Sebring, Hyundai sits second in the 2024 IMPC Manufacturers’ Championship standings.
Next on the calendar is the return to the Hyundai stable’s home track, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, on May 11 for the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 120.
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Photo 1.
The No. 12 Hyundai Elantra N TCR drivers Nick Tucker and Andy Lally photographed during the podium celebrations at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., Mar. 15, 2024. (PhotoBryan Herta AutosportLAT)
Photo 2.
The No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Harry Gottsacker and Robert Wickens photographed during the Alan Jay Automotive 120 at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., Mar. 15, 2024. (PhotoBryan Herta Au)
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Photo 3.
The No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR photographed during the Alan Jay Automotive 120 at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., Mar. 15, 2024. (PhotoBryan Herta AutosportLAT)
Hyundai Hope On Wheels
In 2024, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has pledged to donate $100 for each lap a Hyundai Elantra N TCR is in the lead during every race of the season. At Sebring, Hyundai cars led 21 laps resulting in a $2,100 donation by Hyundai and Bryan Herta Autosport to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai’s 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy.
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