Filippi and Wilkins’ 2nd place at Road America delivers vital points

Hyundai leads the manufacturers’ standings in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for the first time this season after Bryan Herta Autosport drivers Mason Filippi and Mark Wilkins finished second at Road America (August 1-4).

The two-hour race at the Circuit was another strong event for Elantra N TCR teams. Four different squads led during the race – combining to head the TCR pack for more than half the race. In the closing stages it was the #76 Bryan Herta Autosport entry of Denis Dupont that held the top spot. Dupont and co-driver Preston Brown seemed destined for a second win of the season, only to run low on fuel in the final laps and fall down the order.

Their problems lifted Wilkins, taking the #98 car to the chequered flag after Filippi’s opening stint, into second place – recording the pair’s third podium of the season and moving Hyundai 20 points clear in the manufacturers’ standings.

Taylor Hagler and Bryson Morris finished sixth, ahead of Harry Gottsacker and Robert Wickens, who were taken out of the battle for the lead by a drive-through penalty. Victor Gonzalez Racing Team pairing Morgan Burkhard and Tyler Gonzalez finished eighth.