Hyundai Wins at Daytona - Historic IMSA TCR Victory

Hyundai Triumphs at Daytona: A Historic Win in IMSA TCR

Hyundai’s journey through motorsport history took a monumental leap on January 24, 2025, when Hyundai Motor America, in collaboration with Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA), clinched a historic first-place finish at the legendary Daytona International Speedway in the 2025 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. This victory marks Hyundai’s first win at Daytona in the IMSA TCR series, and it also solidifies the Hyundai Elantra N TCR as a force to be reckoned with in endurance racing.

A Thrilling Finish at Daytona

The race saw Hyundai’s No. 76 Elantra N TCR, piloted by Denis Dupont and Preston Brown, cross the finish line just ahead of the No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Mark Wilkins and Bryson Morris, securing a stunning 1-2 finish. The race was a breathtaking display of speed and skill, with both cars battling intensely in the final laps to secure the victory. The No. 33 car started from pole position, setting the tone for Hyundai’s dominance in the field.

The rest of the Hyundai N TCR field also showed impressive performances, with several teams making notable moves throughout the race. Notably, the No. 9 Hyundai Elantra N TCR, driven by Madison Aust and Suellio Almeida, moved up from a setback caused by a drive-through penalty to finish fourth. The No. 18 Hyundai Elantra N TCR, piloted by Lance Bergstein and Jon Miller, finished in sixth place, adding to Hyundai’s impressive results at Daytona.

A Historic Day for Hyundai and Bryan Herta Autosport

This victory represents more than just a win—it’s a major milestone for both Hyundai and Bryan Herta Autosport. Hyundai has now firmly established its presence in the IMSA TCR series, a step that complements the brand’s success across global motorsport disciplines. For Bryan Herta Autosport, the victory is a testament to the team’s continued excellence and skill in developing and preparing the Hyundai Elantra N TCR for competition.

The No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR is especially noteworthy as it not only claimed victory but also displayed incredible speed and endurance, leading the race at key moments and securing Hyundai’s dominance in the early 2025 championship standings.

Hyundai’s Strong Showing Across the Field

Aside from the podium finish, Hyundai teams showed strength across the board. The No. 9 Hyundai Elantra N TCR and the No. 18 Hyundai Elantra N TCR showcased stellar driving performances, finishing in fourth and sixth places, respectively. Despite facing challenges throughout the race, the teams pushed forward with remarkable resilience.

Other notable performances came from the No. 98 Hyundai Elantra N TCR, which finished in eighth, and the No. 72 Hyundai Elantra N TCR, which was forced to retire early after a collision. Nevertheless, the collective efforts of Hyundai’s racing teams solidified their reputation as a dominant force in IMSA TCR competition.

Hyundai's Victory: A Symbol of Excellence

This win at Daytona is not just a victory on the track. It also reflects Hyundai’s commitment to excellence in both engineering and motorsport. The brand’s success in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is the result of years of hard work, innovation, and dedication to developing high-performance vehicles that excel under the most challenging conditions.

Hyundai’s efforts also extend beyond the racetrack through initiatives like Hyundai Hope On Wheels, which pledged to donate $100 for each lap a Hyundai Elantra N TCR led during the season. Thanks to the dominating performance at Daytona, Hyundai’s mission to support cancer research will donate $10,500 to AdventHealth Central Florida Hospital, marking another significant achievement for the brand.

Hyundai in the 2025 IMSA Championship Standings

As the 2025 IMSA season progresses, Hyundai is already leading the manufacturer standings with 350 points. Bryan Herta Autosport’s No. 76 and No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR are at the forefront of the championship race, with drivers Denis Dupont and Preston Brown leading the drivers’ standings with 350 points. Their success at Daytona has set a powerful tone for the rest of the season, with Hyundai looking to build on this early momentum.

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Conclusion

Hyundai’s historic victory at Daytona is a testament to the brand’s commitment to motorsport excellence and engineering prowess. As the 2025 IMSA season continues, Hyundai is poised to maintain its momentum, with its impressive lineup of cars, including the Elantra N TCR, continuing to impress both on and off the track. For those in Dubai looking to own a piece of Hyundai's performance legacy, Auto Trader UAE offers a fantastic selection of used Hyundai cars, ensuring you can experience the thrill of driving a Hyundai no matter where you are.