BHA Returns to The Glen in Quest for Endurance Victory
BHA FAST FACTS:
Championship Leaders: Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis, the drivers of the #77 Hyundai Veloster N TCR are leading the IMPC TCR championship by 40 points. The duo, paired together for the first time this season have finished on the podium the last two races, with a third at Sebring and second at Mid-Ohio.
The Elantra Wins On and Off the Track: Parker Chase and Ryan Norman drove the all-new #98 Elantra N TCR to it’s first victory in North America at Mid-Ohio. Already a winner off the track, the Elantra was named the 2021 North American Car of the Year in January, just a week before the racing version, the Elantra N TCR made its’ world debut in TCR competition with BHA at Daytona.
Drivers Camp: The Hyundai Drivers’ Camp, presented by Bryan Herta Autosport wrapped this week. The 2021 camp featured six weeks of intense training from industry leaders.
- PitFit Training
- Dr. Jack Starke renowned sports psychologist
- Kevin Sullivan, the former communications director at the White House,
NBC Universal and The Dallas Mavericks.
The camp also featured corporate presentations from Hyundai Motor America and engineering workshops focusing on set-up, aerodynamics, data acquisition and more.
Hyundai driver Mark Wilkins, the 2019 TCR Champion commented, “It’s incredible that Hyundai and Bryan Herta Autosport provide this type of training both physically and mentally, with the individuals who are considered the best in their industries. This opportunity to better enhance our performance, and to get the most out of ourselves mentally shows massive commitment from BHA and Hyundai. They’ve provided the 2021 class of Hyundai drivers the tools to allow us to perform at our best, and it’s been an exceptional opportunity for us drivers to capitalize on something so unique.”
Women in STEM: Hyundai Motor America is pleased to provide funding for the Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship for any female students in the United States pursuing an undergraduate degree in STEM disciplines. Each of five winners will receive a prize of $10,000. To apply, entries must be submitted no later than June 30, 2021 and applicants can apply here: THE HYUNDAI WOMEN IN STEM SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST: Application Form | The University Network (tun.com).
| Best Start: 8th Best Finish: 5th Rank: 6th
· Mark Wilkins finished second, enroute to the 2019 IMPC Championship (co-driving with Michael Lewis) the last time IMSA raced at The Glen. Harry Gottsacker: “My last start at Watkins Glen was in 2019 and we had good speed, but had some unlucky issues with our fuel system. The team has been working hard on our new Elantra N TCR, and I think we will have a good run in both events at Watkins Glen. Our test went well and we are finding a good balance on the car. We should be really good in the high speed stuff and The Glen has a lot of that! Between events, I think we are going to do some fishing at Watkins Glen. This has become a bit of a tradition for us between this race and our race in Canada. Maybe we can get Mark out on the boat with us to see if he has any tricks?” Mark Wilkins: “I’m incredibly excited to head back to Watkins Glen for back to back races! Since Mid Ohio, all has not been quiet for the Hyundai drivers. Over the past six weeks we have been training hard with the help of PitFit Training as part of this years Hyundai Fitness Camp. This has been an amazing opportunity to not only enhance our physical fitness but also to improve our overall health. Without a doubt, this initiative will enhance performance both on and off of the track, so I’m personally really excited to put all of this hard work to good use over the next two weeks at The Glen. I have many great memories from The Glen going back to a 2008 win in the Daytona Prototype class but more recently a strong second place run with Michael Lewis in 2019. Michael and I had our Veloster N TCR up front for much of the race but a late rain made for an exciting finish and we came up a little short. After a year away from the circuit, we come back in the all new Elantra N TCR and a goal of getting back on the top step of the podium! The Elantra N TCR took its first WIN at Mid Ohio; Harry and I will be looking to see the chequered flag first at Watkins Glen. The Elantra N TCR is well suited to the fast, flowing nature of The Glen and I expect, rain or shine we’ll be in a strong position at the front of the field. With 2021 being a huge year for the Hyundai N brand, I’m also really looking forward to the opportunity to see the all new 2022 Hyundai KONA N that will be on display for our FANS to see. The KONA N, like all N brand vehicles, will have serious track cred. so it is only fitting that its first major public appearance is at a race track! Between the two races, there have been talks about hikes and touring the local region. It will be fun to spend time with the team and gear up for what’s a busy few months ahead!” |