Hyundai Continues Double-Podium Momentum at Watkins Glen

June 26, 2024 by Hyundai

• No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR goes from last to second place in thrilling come-from-behind performance
• Hyundai remains firmly in contention for Manufacturers' Championship
• Hyundai and Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) raise $2,200 for Hyundai Hope on Wheels after leading 22 laps

 Hyundai furthered its impressive streak of podium finishes in every race in the 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Championship (IMPC) season as the No. 33 and No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCRs captured second and third place at The Esses 120. Behind the No. 33 and No. 76 cars, the No. 98 and No. 77 Hyundais secured fourth and fifth, giving Hyundai four of the top-five finishing positions at New York's historic Watkins Glen International on Saturday.

Drivers Robert Wickens and Harry Gottsacker showed impressive pace throughout the weekend in the No. 33 car. However, a penalty during qualifying relegated the No. 33 team from its second-place starting position to last on the grid for the start of the race. Despite this setback, an excellent drive by Gottsacker in the opening stages of the race quickly put the No. 33 car in second place, in contention for the win. Gottsacker and Wickens continued to mix it up at the front of the field, leading the race for 21 laps. Wickens would battle for the lead in the closing stages of the race, eventually crossing the line a mere two seconds behind the eventual race winner.

Like the No. 33 car, the No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Preston Brown and Denis Dupont also started toward the back of the field in tenth place. In the opening stages of the race, Brown set a strong pace and navigated early cautions to put the No. 76 in the top five. After a driver change, Dupont was able to execute some impressive overtaking maneuvers, securing the last step on the podium as the checkered flag waved at The Glen.

The No. 98 and No. 77 Hyundai Elantra N TCRs finished fourth and fifth, respectively, after battling for podium positions in a tight group at the top of the field. The No. 99 Victor Gonzalez Racing Team car followed in tenth after being hampered by fueling issues in the race's closing stages.

Following the fifth round of IMPC competition, Hyundai remains in a tight battle for the Manufacturers' Championship, with just 70 points separating the automaker from the lead. Up next, the Hyundai stable is set to take on the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park 120 in Ontario on July 13, 2024.

• Top-Finishing Hyundai: Second place for the No. 33 Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Robert Wickens and Harry Gottsacker
• Top-Qualifying Hyundai: Third place for the No. 98 Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Mark Wilkins and Mason Filippi

Hyundai Finishing Results

Hyundai Championship Standings

IMSA TCR Manufacturer Standings