Debut podium for StarCom Racing in the IMSA and a superb maiden win with HMO Customer Racing for Tom Oliphant

Elantra N TCR debutants score IMSA podium at Sebring
On their debut in the championship, new Elantra N TCR customers StarCom Racing finished a superb second in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race at Sebring International Raceway (March 14-15). The car, driven by Nick Tucker and Andy Lally crossed the line third in class after Lally had defended his position well in the closing laps. The duo was then promoted up to second when a rival was disqualified after the race.

The same decision – as well as another post-race demotion – helped defending IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge champions Harry Gottsacker and Robert Wickens score their first podium of the 2024 season. Gottsacker qualified their Bryan Herta Autosport Elantra N TCR on pole position and led for part of the first run of the race before the race was neutralised by a full course caution. After the driver swap pit stop half-way through the race Wickens resumed in sixth. The Canadian was only able to make up one place on track but was promoted onto the podium after the chequered flag.

Preston Brown and Denis Dupont finished fourth to remain second in the points standings, ahead of their Bryan Herta Autosport team-mates Mason Filippi and Mark Wilkins who finished sixth at Sebring, just ahead of the VGRT Elantra N TCR team of Victor Gonzalez and Tyler Gonzalez.

Oliphant’s Race 3 win completes strong Tasmania weekend for HMO Customer Racing

Tom Oliphant took his first win for HMO Customer Racing in TCR Australia at Symmons Plains (March 15-17) to complete a strong weekend for the squad in Tasmania. Oliphant’s team-mate and fellow i30 N TCR driver Josh Buchan qualified second and finished in the same position in Race 1 as Oliphant claimed eighth. The finish gave Oliphant third on the grid for Race 2, which he took full advantage of to finish second and secure a front row start for the final encounter.

From the start Oliphant was part of an incredibly tight lead battle that included as many as five drivers. In the close-quarters battle he narrowly avoided disaster after contact and methodically made his way to the lead before pulling away to claim victory. Buchan was chasing to join him on the podium, but was spun out at high speed to end his challenge for a top result.

Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Manager Benoit Nogier said: “In TCR, our latest Elantra N TCR customers in the USA scored a superb podium on their IMSA debut at Sebring and Bryan Herta Autosport’s defending champions took a first podium of the season after qualifying on pole. Tom Oliphant scored a first win with the i30 N TCR in only his second weekend racing the car in the very competitive TCR Australia championship.”