Hype Confirms Honda TCR for Noland, Gonzalez Jr.

Photo: JAS Motorsport

A second Honda Civic Type R TCR team has been confirmed for Michelin Pilot Challenge next year, with the newly formed Hype Motorsport Group set to make its IMSA debut.

Part-time NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Victor Gonzalez Jr. and 15-year-old Jett Noland have been named drivers for the single-car entry.

“We are excited to be entering the Michelin Pilot Challenge in 2019 with Jett and Victor behind the wheel of our Honda Type R FK8,” said team owner Greg Noland.

“We believe that the Type R is an excellent platform to help grow and develop young drivers through our team and throughout the Michelin Pilot Challenge.”

Gonzalez, who became the first Puerto Rican driver to compete in a top-level NASCAR series, has been serving as Noland’s driver coach in CARS Super Late Model competition.

It will mark the 43-year-old’s return to IMSA competition after making starts in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2005-06.

“It’s a pleasure to be back in IMSA,” he said. “I’d like to thank Greg and Lori Noland for all their support in establishing this team and allowing me to manage Jett’s driver development.”

Noland said he feels his move into Pilot Challenge will come as a “great step” for his career.

“I have always dreamed of racing at tracks like Daytona and look forward to my development in both Super Late Models and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge next season while representing Noland’s Roofing on the national stage,” he said.

The team recently took delivery of the JAS-built car, which will make its Pilot Challenge debut next year.

Hype joins the previously announced two-car effort from LAP Motorsports in fielding Honda TCR cars in the series.

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