Photo: IMSA
Michael Johnson and Stephen Simpson will drive for Bryan Herta Autosport in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge competition next year as a fourth Hyundai entry in TCR for the organization.
The duo, who had spent the last three years in a JDC/Miller Motorsports-run Audi RS 3 LMS TCR, have been confirmed as drivers for the No. 54 Hyundai Veloster N TCR.
It comes alongside BHA’s three new Hyundai Elantra TCRs that were confirmed by the team on Tuesday.
“We are excited to be working closely with MJR this season and Michael Johnson and Stephen Simpson,” said team owner Bryan Herta.
“We’ve known Michael and Stephen as formidable competitors in the past, and I am excited to see what they do in the Veloster.
“The No. 54 Veloster will run under our tent, right alongside our three BHA entries.
“Together, we’ll work towards our common goal of defending Hyundai’s manufacturers championship.
“They will undoubtedly strengthen Hyundai’s presence in IMSA competition as I expect to see them run up front all season long.”
Johnson, who is paralyzed from the waist-down since the age of 12 due to a motorcycle accident, will pilot the car utilizing a set of hand controls.
The 28-year-old claimed a breakthrough first win in Pilot Challenge competition, with Simpson, at Lime Rock Park in 2018.
While having contested the full 2018 and 2019 seasons, Johnson withdrew from the series in October, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the factors, but said he’s excited to return to the TCR ranks for 2021.
“Aligning our teams is the next step in my career and I couldn’t be more thrilled to work with everyone and go for a championship,” Johnson said.
Simpson added: “It’s going to be a new challenge for Michael and me but one that are we very ready for and very much looking forward to.
“The BHA team and Hyundai have had a great deal of success over the past few years and we look to add to their win record. That is our goal for next year.
“There is going to be a lot of tough competition in the TCR class, as always, so nothing will come easy.
“It will require a lot of hard work, but we are up to the challenge and excited about this new chapter. I can’t wait to get started.”
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