Mason Filippi and Mark Wilkins repeat as Road Atlanta winners
The Bryan Herta Autosport completed the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season with a 1-2 finish in the finale at Road Atlanta (October 9-12) but could not extend their streak of sweeping the series’ titles to a fifth year.
The Elantra N TCR crews continued the fine form they have shown in the second half of the season. In qualifying Hyundai Motorsport customers took the top four positions. A lap form Bryson Morris in the #77 Elantra N TCR clinched pole ahead of his team-mates in the #33 and #98 cars from the Hyundai Motor America-backed team. Morgan Burkhard put the car of the Victor Gonzalez Racing Team in fourth.
Unsurprisingly given their excellent start positions, Elantra N TCR drivers dominated the early part of the race. Morris led the first 28 laps of the race, only surrendering the lead when he pitted during a Safety Car period. The Victor Gonzalez Racing Team #99 took the lead following the pitstops and incidents.
Tyler Gonzalez headed an Elantra N TCR 1-2-3 (and at times even a 1-2-3-4) at the head of the race and appeared on course to deliver a first win as Hyundai Motorsport customers for the team. However, he could not stretch his fuel mileage far enough, having to pit at the start of the final lap of the race, presenting the lead to Mark Wilkins to lead the final lap and take victory of he and Filippi in the season finale for the second year running.
The #76 Elantra N TCR of Preston Brown and Denis Dupont completed the 1-2 – the eighth double podium in 10 races for Elantra N TCR teams.
However, while the fine finish to the season allowed the Hyundai crews to close on the championship leaders, they were unable to overcome the deficit in the Drivers’ and Teams’ championships – finishing 2nd in both – though Hyundai were able to secure a fifth consecutive Manufacturer’s title.
