Hyundai Opens 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Season with Victory at Daytona
- Elantra N TCR entries lead 64 laps en route to BMW M Endurance Challenge win
- Bryan Herta Autosport delivers successful double-podium result at season opener
- Hyundai builds early momentum in pursuit of seventh-consecutive Manufacturers’ title
- Hyundai Motor America continues philanthropic support for Hyundai Hope on Wheels with expanded 2026 laps-led campaign
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 26, 2026 – Hyundai Motor America opened the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) season in commanding fashion, capturing victory at the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway. Powered by the Hyundai Elantra N TCR, Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) secured the race win while placing three cars inside the top four, underscoring Hyundai’s strength as the company begins to pursuit an unprecedented seventh-consecutive Manufacturers’ Championship. The No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR of Denis Dupont and Preston Brown delivered a late-race charge to claim the four-hour endurance victory, while the No. 33 entry of Mason Filippi, Bryson Morris, and Josh Buchan finished third after leading much of the race. The No. 98 Hyundai Elantra N TCR completed a strong team result in fourth.
With multiple Hyundai Elantra N TCR’s starting inside the top 10, Hyundai displayed a dominant performance despite frequent full-course cautions and intense late-race strategy battles. The No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR surged to the front of the field early, ultimately leading 58 laps en route to notching a third-place finish. After a series of late pit stops and position changes in the final 30 minutes, the No. 76 entry capitalized on strategy and traffic to take the race lead with just minutes remaining to secure the win. As the checkered flag flew, the stable of the five Hyundai Elantra N TCRs for BHA and Rockwell Autosport Development crossed the line inside the top 10, securing an early lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship standings.
Hyundai entries demonstrated depth and resilience throughout the field, overcoming contact, penalties, and mechanical challenges to produce a strong overall result. The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season continues Friday, March 20, 2026, at Sebring International Raceway as Hyundai looks to build on its Daytona victory and early championship momentum in the Alan Jay Automotive Network 120.
- Top-Finishing Hyundai: First place, No. 76 BHA Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Denis Dupont and Preston Brown
- Top-Qualifying Hyundai: Fourth place, No. 98 BHA Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Mason Filippi, Bryson Morris and Josh Buchan
Hyundai Hope on Wheels
For the third-straight season, Hyundai Hope on Wheels is committed to donating $100 for every lap led by a Hyundai vehicle to a specific local hospital at every race in the 2026 season. At Daytona, Hyundai raised $11,400 for Hyundai Hope on Wheels after leading a total of 64 laps led. Proceeds from the Daytona race will go to the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital.
Team photo of Bryan Herta Autosport during the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Jan. 23, 2026 (Photo/Bryan Herta Autosport/Ignite Media)
The No. 33 Hyundai Elantra N TCR Hope on Wheels car is driven by Bryson Morris, Mason Filippi, and Josh Buchan during the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Jan. 23, 2026. (Photo/Bryan Herta Autosport/Ignite Media)
The No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Denis Dupont and Preston Brown is photographed in Victory Lane at the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Jan. 23, 2026. (Photo/Bryan Herta Autosport/Ignite Media)
Hyundai Finishing Results
| Position | Drivers | Team | Car |
| 1 | P. Brown / D. Dupont | Bryan Herta Autosport | #76 Elantra N
TCR |
| 3 | B. Morris / M. Filippi / J. Buchan | Bryan Herta Autosport | #33 Elantra N
TCR |
| 4 | A. Castro / M. Aust / M. Wilkins | Bryan Herta Autosport | #98 Elantra N
TCR |
| 7 | H. Gottsacker / J. Miller / L. Bergstein | Bryan Herta Autosport | #18 Elantra N
TCR |
| 9 | A. Rockwell / D. Oakley / D. Hanley | Rockwell Autosport Development | #15 Elantra N
TCR |
Hyundai Championship Standings
| Position | Drivers | Team | Car | Total Points |
| 1 | P. Brown / D. Dupont | Bryan Herta Autosport | #76 Elantra N TCR | 350 |
| 2 | B. Morris / M. Filippi / J. Buchan | Bryan Herta Autosport | #33 Elantra N TCR | 280 |
| 4 | M. Wilkins / M. Aust / A. Castro | Bryan Herta Autosport | #98 Elantra N TCR | 260 |
| 7 | H. Gottsacker / J. Miller / L. Bergstein | Bryan Herta Autosport | #18 Elantra N TCR | 240 |
| 9 |
|
Rockwell Autosport Development | #15 Elantra N TCR | 220 |
IMSA TCR Manufacturer Standings
| Position | Manufacturer | Total Points |
| 1 | Hyundai | 350 |
| 2 | Honda | 320 |
| 3 | Audi | 300 |
| 4 | Cupra | 280 |