Hyundai Motor America is set to make its debut in the ADAC TotalEnergies 24-Hour Race at Germany’s Nürburgring circuit on May 20-21, 2023. Teaming up with Hyundai Motorsport GmbH and Target Competition, Hyundai will field an Elantra N TCR entry driven by a seasoned lineup from Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA).
The driver team includes Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis, the reigning IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) champions, along with Mason Filippi and Harry Gottsacker. This group will represent Team USA as they compete against their European TCR counterparts at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Hyundai Motor America’s participation in the 2023 race comes after plans to enter the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2020 were delayed by the Coronavirus pandemic.
To qualify for the race, all four BHA drivers must complete informative classes, Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) races, and a specific qualifying race.
In the NLS races, they will drive a Hyundai i30 N streetcar with slightly modified safety features, paired as Hagler with Lewis and Gottsacker with Filippi. This preparation involves six trips to Germany before the main event.
The BHA drivers will quickly shift from their usual IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge roles to compete in the NLS races. After finishing at Sebring International Raceway, they will travel to Germany for their first NLS race.
Additionally, Jeff Ricca of Ricca Autosport will race in the VT2 class of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N Cup, representing Hyundai Motor America through the “Dare to Dream” global program.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours, established in 1970, is a key event in European racing, featuring touring cars and GT endurance racing. Target Competition, experienced in TCR racing in Europe, will support the Hyundai BHA drivers.
The team has achieved multiple championships, including TCR International Series titles in 2015, and ADAC TCR Germany series titles in 2016 and 2017, along with the TCR Europe Trophy in 2017.