Hyundai Elantra N Makes History with First Daytona Victory

Under the lights of Daytona International Speedway, Hyundai Motor America and Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) kicked off the 2025 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with a performance for the history books. BHA’s No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR, driven by Denis Dupont and Preston Brown, clinched the top spot, while teammates Mark Wilkins and Bryson Morris in the No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR claimed second place, crossing the finish line just a fraction of a second behind in a breathtaking sprint to the checkered flag.

Hyundai’s dominance began early, with the No. 33 on pole position and the No. 98, piloted by Mason Filippi and Harry Gottsacker, starting strong from the second row. As the four-hour BMW M Endurance Challenge unfolded, Hyundai demonstrated its prowess on the legendary high banks and twisting infield of Daytona. The lead seesawed between the No. 33 and the No. 99 Hyundai Elantra N TCR fielded by Victor Gonzalez Racing, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Despite the intense competition, the final laps belonged to Dupont and Brown in the No. 76, who executed a flawless strategy to secure Hyundai and BHA their first-ever victory at Daytona—a significant milestone that underscores their meteoric rise in the motorsport world.

The Hyundai Elantra N TCR Field: Triumphs and Challenges

Hyundai’s fleet of Elantra N TCRs showed grit and determination throughout the field. The No. 9 car, featuring Madison Aust and Suellio Almeida in their series debut, rebounded from a drive-through penalty to finish a commendable fourth. Meanwhile, Lance Bergstein and Jon Miller in the No. 18 entry delivered a strong sixth-place result for Victor Gonzalez Racing.

Not every Hyundai entry escaped Daytona unscathed. Filippi and Gottsacker in the No. 98 finished eighth after an early-race incident forced them to claw their way back through the pack. Riley Pegram and Larry Pegram in the No. 72 were mounting a charge into the top five before a collision with the No. 31 Audi and No. 55 Cupra ended their race prematurely.

A Milestone Moment For Hyundai Elantra N

This historic one-two finish is more than just a win for Hyundai and BHA; it’s a testament to the resilience and performance of the Elantra N TCR program. Building on their successes in 2024, which included pole positions and double podiums, this Daytona victory solidifies their status as a force to be reckoned with in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

With Dupont, Brown, Wilkins, and Morris leading the charge, the 2025 season is already shaping up to be unforgettable for Hyundai Motorsport. The iconic Daytona International Speedway has seen its share of legends, and now, the Hyundai Elantra N TCR has joined that storied lineage.

Hyundai Elantra N Finishing Results

Hyundai Elantra N Championship Standings

IMSA TCR Manufacturer Standings

Photos Courtesy of Hyundai and Richard Prince Photography