Gonzalez Switches to Van Der Steur Hyundai

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

Tyler Gonzalez will make the switch from Copeland Motorsports to Van der Steur Racing, remaining at the wheel of a Hyundai Veloster N TCR in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge competition next year.

Confirmed on Wednesday, the 17-year-old will team up with fellow rising star Rory van der Steur in the TCR class.

Gonzalez and co-driver Tyler Maxson combined to make up the youngest driver pairing in IMSA in 2021, scoring two podium finishes en route to a tenth place finish in the class championship.

“A huge thanks to Tyler Maxson and the Maxson family for everything that they have done for me; we are like a family but sometimes all good things must come to an end,” said Gonzalez.

“On the other hand, I am anxious to begin a new chapter and race alongside Rory and his family-owned Van Der Steur Racing program.

“Additionally, I am happy to stick with the Hyundai family and look forward to fighting for race wins and podium results.”

Gonzalez will also tackle the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup series next year.

Rory van der Steur, who teamed up with Belgian driver Denis Dupont in 2021, said he’s “super happy” to be racing with Gonzalez in his family-run team.

“[Tyler] has proven that he is one of the quickest Hyundai drivers in the IMSA paddock and he rounds out our efforts well,” van der Steur said.

“We are less than one month away from the first green flag in Daytona, but I know we will approach the weekend with our goals set high and fight hard to be at the front of the field.”

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