Hyundai Veloster N TCR Revealed; BHA Names Drivers

Photo: Hyundai

Michael Lewis, Mark Wilkins, Mason Filippi and Harry Gottsacker have been named drivers for Bryan Herta Autosport’s two-car Hyundai Veloster N TCR program in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

The new-for-2019 TCR contender, which will make its competition debut in next weekend’s season-opening round at Daytona, was unveiled Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Announced in November, BHA will make the move to IMSA competition following a successful North American debut for the Hyundai i30 N TCR in TC America, where it claimed the teams’ and manufacturers’ championship with Lewis and Wilkins as teammates.

The duo will continue their relationship with BHA and Hyundai this year, but as co-drivers, alongside the new pairing of 18-year-old rising star Gottsacker and Filippi, who drove for the team in last year’s California 8 Hours Intercontinental GT Challenge race.

“The success we had last year with the i30 N TCR inspired us to expand Hyundai’s motorsports program and bring the Veloster N TCR into a tougher series with longer races and more experienced drivers,” said Bryan Herta, president and CEO of Bryan Herta Autosport.

“Transforming the Veloster’s lightweight, rigid architecture into an endurance race car will help us build credibility for Hyundai’s growing N brand and bolster the reverse-halo effect that the Veloster brings to Hyundai’s diverse vehicle lineup.

“We can’t wait to get this new car out on the track and into competition.”  

The 350-horsepower Veloster N is largely based on the i30N TCR, which will continue to compete in TCR series globally.

“The Veloster is a perfect fit for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge as we expand our motorsports efforts,” said Dean Evans, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America.

“The all-new 2019 Veloster and Veloster N are playful, fun-to-drive cars, and thanks to Bryan and his team we’re excited to introduce them to racing fans across North America.

“In 2018, we won a manufacturer’s championship, so it is great to get back to racing with our proven veterans, a pair of great young drivers, and this brand-new car.”   

Photo: Hyundai

Photo: Hyundai

Photo: Hyundai

Photo: Hyundai

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