BHA Reverts to Hyundai Veloster N TCR for No. 77 Entry

Photo: Peter Burke/IMSA

Bryan Herta Autosport will revert to a Hyundai Veloster N TCR for its No. 77 entry in the next two IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge races following the massive multi-car accident involving Mason Filippi last month at Sebring.

Filippi’s No. 77 Hyundai Elantra N TCR sustained chassis damage in the crash that also totaled the No. 3 JG Wentworth Racing by Infinity Autosport Toyota GR Supra GT4 of Kyle Marcelli, which has switched to a Ford Mustang GT4 for the remainder of the season.

Team owner Bryan Herta confirmed to Sportscar365 that it will be taking out one of its championship-winning Velosters to serve as Filippi and co-driver Tyler Maxon’s car for next weekend’s Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship event at Laguna Seca.

“It will be for Laguna and Mid-Ohio,” Herta told Sportscar365. “For Watkins Glen we’re expecting to receive a replacement bodyshell for that car. Then it will be returned to an Elantra.

“The fact that Mason was largely OK, I think the car did it’s job. Obviously in doing that it sacrificed itself.”

Herta explained that supply chain-related delays impacted the team being able to get the new bodyshell sooner.

“In Europe even more than here, they’re still experiencing a lot of supply chain issues and things,” he said. “We’re still in this position of being a little behind the eight-ball in terms of getting parts sometimes.

“Luckily they’re working with us out of Germany and we’ve got a plan. IMSA has been apprised of the plan and have approved the plan. We’re full speed ahead.

“With the Veloster we have a very competitive Plan B. We’re lucky to be able to do that.”

Defending TCR class champions Michael Lewis and Taylor Hagler currently lead the TCR drivers’ standings in one of the sister BHA entries heading into next weekend’s two-hour race.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John