Hagler, Lewis Lead 1-2 Victory for Hyundai at VIRginia International Raceway

• No. 1 Hyundai Elantra N TCR Leads Double Podium, Extends Championship Lead
• No. 77 Hyundai Elantra N TCR Finishes Second

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 30, 2022 – Hyundai dominated the Virginia Is For Racing Lovers Grand Prix this weekend, converting a front-row lockout in qualifying into a double podium in the race. Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) drivers Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis fought through the pack to take the victory and bolster their hold on the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) points championship heading into the final round at Road Atlanta on Sept. 30. 

“The win means everything, to be honest,” said Taylor Hagler. “I’ve never won a race here in TCR. Winning by coming through the pack after a suboptimal qualifying gives us a cushion going into Atlanta, so I feel more comfortable. We have the luxury of not having to win next time, though I’ll gladly podium in the final race.”

“Taylor did great in her stint,” said Michael Lewis. “I tried to preserve my tires, and as soon as they dropped off, I knew I had to get into the lead. The yellow came out, and I felt strong. It might have been hard to win if the yellow didn’t come out, so I’m glad that it did. There is a lot of tire pick up here, so I tried to manage the marbles. I did a good job with that and I’m happy to get the win.”

BHA teammates Mason Filippi and Tyler Maxson finished close behind them, battling into VIR’s famous Oak Tree corner on the final lap to secure second position. The result ensures that Hyundai leads the Drivers’, Teams’, and Manufacturers’ title races with one race remaining.

• Top Finishing Hyundai: First place for the No. 1 Hyundai Elantra N TCR driven by Taylor Hagler and Michael Lewis  
• Top Qualifying Hyundai: First place for the No. 19 Hyundai Veloster N TCR driven by Rory van der Steur and Tyler Gonzalez

Tyler Maxson, Taylor Hagler, Michael Lewis and Mason Filippi, drivers of the No. 1 Hyundai Elantra N TCR and No. 77 Hyundai Elantra N TCR, celebrate their victory and double podium at the Virginia Is For Racing Lovers Grand Prix at VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, Va., Aug. 27, 2022. (Photo/Bryan Herta Autosport)