Hyundai secures first-ever victory for 2024 IMSA racing season

MANILA: Hyundai has taken its maiden win for the 2024 season of the International Motor Sports Association’s (IMSA) Michelin Pilot Championship (IMPC).

The victorious No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR was maneuvered by the duo of Preston Brown and Denis Dupont, who are part of the Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) team. The aforementioned feat was achieved at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Four Hours of Mid-Ohio leg of this year’s IMPC. 

According to the brand, the IMPC race in Lexington, Ohio saw the number 76 Elantra N TCR start in ninth position but claw its way to the lead after the team made successful strategic calls during a set of pit stops on lap 132. 

Similarly, the other Hyundai Elantra N TCR race cars competing in the event reportedly managed to keep pace as well. 

Specifically, the team’s number 33 car, piloted by BHA’s Robert Wickens and Harry Gottsacker, battled for third place but was unable to make the podium after the race’s last pitstop. Car #77, #80, #98, and #99, meanwhile, finished eighth, ninth, and fourteenth, respectively. 

As noted by Hyundai, the #98 Elantra N TCR showed a strong performance at the race, leading the pack of competing touring cars for 21 laps. Unfortunately, it encountered a problem, causing the car to lose its position before the race finished.

With Bryan Herta Autosport’s overall performance at Mid-Ohio, the Hyundai says it has secured a stronger standing for the top spot in the 2024 IMPC Manufacturer’s Championship. If successful, the latter could be the brand’s fifth-straight Manufacturer’s title in the race series. 

After the IMPC round in Ohio, Hyundai will head to the next round at The Esses 120 in Watkins Glen, New York. The upcoming event is scheduled for June 22, 2024. 

As a side note, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Four Hours of Mid-Ohio likewise showcased the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as its official pace car. 

Notably, Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated (HMPH) launched the N sub-brand was launched in the Philippines using the Elantra N and the Ioniq 5 N.

For prospective buyers of the Elantra N, HMPH is offering it with a starting price of P2.738 million. Meanwhile, the Philippine-spec Ioniq 5 N, starts at P4.25 million. 

Photos from Hyundai

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