Hyundai eyes more wins in 2023 Nürburgring 24 Hours

Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) is targeting to bag more accolades in the field of motorsport as it is set to compete in the 2023 Nürburgring 24 Hours.

In a statement, the company is eyeing to get its third straight victory in the touring car racing (TCR) class and maiden win in the VT2 division.

Hyundai said that its motorsport arm participates in the aforementioned event and the likes “to verify state-of-the-art technologies for transfer to N production models. “

Hyundai Motorsport will field to two Elantra N TCR units in the Touring Car Race class — one to be driven by the returning victors Mikel Azcona, Marc Basseng and Manuel Lauck while the other to be piloted by the IMSA TCR champion Bryan Herta Autosport team’s Michael Lewis, Taylor Hagler, Mason Filippi and Harry Gottsacker.

On the other hand, Hyundai Driving Experience (HDX) will enter two production-based i30 Fastback N Cup cars in the VT2 Front class — the first one manned by HDX instructor Marcus Willhardt with three other drivers, and the second one to be handled by HDX ‘Dare to Dream’ program participant Junesung Park and media drivers from Germany, USA and Korea.

Park, a multiple award-winning driver in the Hyundai N Festival, was selected as a junior driver and joined HDX ‘Dare to Dream’ pilot program that launches later this year for amateur and professional racers who seek to compete in future Nürburgring 24 Hours races. 

“The Nürburgring circuit is the cradle of the N brand and where our ‘Born in Namyang, Honed at Nürburgring’ mantra comes to life,” Vice President of N Brand and Motorsport Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Company Till Wartenberg was quoted as saying.

“Alongside the 2022 NBR 24 Hours TCR class champions, we are delighted to welcome the U.S.-based Brian Herta Autosport team and Korean junior driver Jun Sung Park, who will be competing in the race through the ‘Dare to Dream’ program.”

Relatedly, the Hyundai will also feature a large-scale hospitality booth in the paddock area of the circuit, welcoming ‘N-thusiasts’ from around the world as well as global media and influencers to participate in an on-site promotion of various N models and activities.

To be seen at the booth are the Hyundai i20 N WRC (hybrid) and N Vision 74 (fuel cell electric vehicle).

Further, Wartenberg shared that Hyundai has organized a live stream of the race, a live chat room and a variety of social media content for Hyundai Motorsport and N fans to cheer on the teams and continue their unwavering support.

To note, the Nürburgring 24 Hours is a day-long annual touring car and GT racing event in Germany that takes place on a combination of tracks within the circuit known as “Green Hell.” The nearly 25.4-kilometer lap length will host more than 200 cars to be maneuvered by over 700 skilled drivers.

Photos from Hyundai

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