Hyundai Seeks Championship Titles at Road Atlanta Season Finale
Hyundai Motor America is gearing up for an exciting weekend at the Road Atlanta race track as they aim to secure championship titles in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge series’ season finale. With their No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR leading the TCR Drivers’ Championship, driven by the talented duo of Robert Wickens and Harry Gottsacker, Hyundai is poised for success.
Currently, Bryan Herta Autosport’s (BHA) Wickens and Gottsacker hold a 20-point lead over their closest rivals, the No. 17 Audi team. The No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR has been in exceptional form, recently achieving a podium finish in the previous race. Wickens and Gottsacker are determined to clinch the TCR Drivers’ Championship title in the upcoming race at Road Atlanta.
However, they are not the only contenders from Hyundai. Mark Wilkins and Mason Filippi, drivers of the No. 98 Hyundai Elantra N TCR, are also in the running for the Drivers’ Championship, sitting just 70 points behind the leaders. This showcases the strength and depth of Hyundai’s racing team.
In the Manufacturers’ Championship, Hyundai is positioned second, just 40 points behind the leader. This sets the stage for an intense battle as Hyundai aims to close the gap and secure the championship title. The team’s consistent performance throughout the season has put them in a strong position to challenge for the top spot.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Hyundai Hope On Wheels, the No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Wickens and Gottsacker will sport a special livery for the final event of the season. This unique design will feature colorful handprints, symbolizing the collective fight against pediatric cancer and hope for a cure. Hyundai Hope On Wheels will also make a generous donation of $100 to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for every lap led by a Hyundai Elantra N TCR during Friday’s race.
This is not the first time Hyundai has shown their commitment to supporting pediatric cancer research. In the previous race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Hyundai race cars led an impressive 108 out of 141 laps, raising $10,800 for the Riley Hospital For Children in Indianapolis. Hyundai’s dedication to making a positive impact in the community is truly commendable.
Hyundai Hope On Wheels, a 501(3) nonprofit organization, has been a significant contributor to pediatric cancer research since its launch in 1998. Through grants awarded to eligible institutions nationwide, Hyundai Hope On Wheels aims to improve treatments and save lives. Their lifetime donation total has reached an impressive $225 million, with $25 million awarded in research grants in 2023 alone.
As the season finale of the 2023 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge calendar, the race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta promises to be a thrilling event. The 2.54-mile, 12-turn, purpose-built road course will witness fierce competition as drivers push their limits for a shot at the championship titles. The race will be broadcasted on Peacock, allowing fans to witness the action-packed 120-minute sprint to the finish line.
Hyundai Motor America’s focus on “Progress for Humanity” and smart mobility solutions is evident in their commitment to excellence on and off the race track. With a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, Hyundai continues to impress consumers. In 2022, Hyundai’s 830 dealers sold over 724,000 vehicles in the U.S., with nearly half of them being built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.
Hyundai’s dedication to motorsports and their involvement in charitable initiatives like Hyundai Hope On Wheels showcases their commitment to making a positive impact. As they strive for championship titles at Road Atlanta, Hyundai’s performance on the track and their philanthropic efforts off the track make them a company worth celebrating.