2019 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge | Road America 120

August 1, 2019 by Hyundai

2019 IMSA MICHELIN Pilot Challenge

Road America 120

#21 Harry Gottsacker and Mason Filippi

#98 Mark Wilkins and Michael Lewis

August 2-3, 2019

Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI

4.048-mile road course, features 14 turns

Race: Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 4:05 pm CT (2 Hours)

TV: LIVE on IMSA.TV, IMSA Radio. NBC Sports Network Monday, August 12th, 2019 at 3pm ET

Live updates are available throughout the weekend on social media and www.bryanhertaautosport.com

FAST FACTS:

Leading the Chase: With two victories and two pole positions heading into Road America, Mark Wilkins and Michael Lewis lead the 2019 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge driver's championship by 10 points over the second place LA Honda World Racing Honda Civic.

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Episode 3 Just Dropped: Pole Position: Next Level chronicles Bryan Herta Autosport's 2019 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season with an exciting behind the scenes look at team and drivers. In the third episode, released this week, Bryan Herta gives viewers an exclusive look inside the Hyundai Motorsports headquarters in Alzenau, Germany, where the Hyundai Veloster production cars are transformed into the Veloster N TCR racecars. Bryan also visits the 24 Hours of Nürburgring for the first time, where the Hyundai Veloster N TCR car finished second in the legendary event.

WATCH: Episode 3 Pole Position: Next Level right here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdBk03CKHJE&t=183s

By the Numbers: The BHA Hyundai Veloster N TCR's are in the midst of an outstanding IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge rookie season. The team has collected two pole positions, four podiums and at least one Hyundai Veloster N TCR has finished in the top five in five of the six races completed. A dominant performance at Lime Rock two weeks ago gave Hyundai their first double podium in IMSA racing when championship leaders Mark Wilkins and Michael Lewis scored their second victory of the season in the #98 Hyundai Veloster N TCR, and rookies Harry Gottsacker and Mason Filippi finished third, earning their first appearance on the podium. Driving the #21 Hyundai Veloster N TCR, Gottsacker and Filippi are tied for fifth in the championship and just six points away from second.

Sheboygan Roots: Road America is particularly special for Harry Gottsacker, driver of the #21 Hyundai Veloster N TCR, as his family is from Sheboygan. While Harry grew up in San Antonio, Texas, his summers as a child were spent at Road America with his father and grandfather. Harry will have some extra boost this weekend with a large contingency of enthusiastic friends and family from the area.

QUOTES:

#98 Mark Wilkins: 'After a great weekend at Lime Rock Park for both Hyundai Veloster N TCR's we look to keep the momentum up at Road America this weekend! I'm always excited to race at Road America, it's one of the classic, old school circuits that makes for great racing. The track just has so much variety; a real drivers circuit. Our car has worked so well everywhere we've raced so far this season. I anticipate the same at Road America, with plenty of technical sections where the Veloster N TCR really shines! It's been a busy month and we're in the throes of the season now with only four events remaining. Our goal will be to maximize our points and think about the big picture. I'm looking forward to meeting the Veloster Nation guests at the team meet and greet on Saturday!'

#98 Michael Lewis: 'Road America is a fast track with many high-speed turns that our Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Veloster N TCR Race Car should take really well. There are three main straights, so drafting will be key in the race for both passing and also for fuel saving. Because this track is so big and because it has many fast turns, in addition to three long straights, we should be on the throttle for a long time around the lap. Keeping up your momentum will be key to prepare for the long straights in a pack and even by yourself.' Michael's Best Lap: 'I really like the entire track! Turn 1 is cool as you have a fast turn, about 4th gear, after a long straight. You brake really late for Turn 1, get off the brakes quickly, and get right back to throttle very quickly; I love the feeling of Turn 1. Also, the Turn 5 through 6 complex is a section I enjoy. I like the hard-braking zone of Turn 5 and also the tricky Turn 6 which is a left-hand turn over a crest of a hill. For fans visiting the event, standing on the outside of Turn 6 is a pretty cool viewing point because you can get really close to the race cars on the track. Honestly, most of the track has great vantage points. If you are at the race this weekend, please stop by our tent to see our Veloster N TCR Race Cars and enjoy the scenery and many viewing points around the track!'

#21 Harry Gottsacker: 'This is the race that I have looked forward to all season! Road America is a home track for me because the Gottsacker family is from Sheboygan, WI. We will have a bunch of friends and family out for the weekend and their support here is always an extra boost. Lime Rock was a great, complete race for both of the BHA cars. I'm looking forward to competing for victory again this weekend and keep moving up in the championship. We have a lot of good momentum and our Hyundai Veloster N TCR just keeps getting better.'

#21 Mason Filippi: 'I can't wait for my first lap at Road America. I have never been there, but on the simulator it is incredible. I am especially excited for the carousel and the back half of the track. We have a fast, reliable Hyundai Veloster N TCR and we have a bit of extra momentum coming off our first podium two weeks ago, I am pumped.'