BHA looks for partner to run Hyundai in World Challenge

Bryan Herta Autosport would like to maintain its presence in the Blancpain GT World Challenge America series by partnering with a team to run one or more of Hyundai’s TCR models.

Having announced its switch to IMSA’s Michelin Pilot Challenge series for 2019, Herta is keen to forge a link with a new team that would bring the factory-affiliated program back to the paddock where it won seven races on the way to capturing the TCR Teams’ and Manufacturers’ championships.

“Now that we’ve announced our program in IMSA with the Veloster N TCR, I really want to find a team that we can partner with to run a couple of cars where we can provide as much technical support, technical information, and parts support for anybody that is looking for a strong TCR collaboration,” Herta told RACER. “There are some good opportunities with us and Hyundai.”

As Hyundai’s North American race car sales and support arm, Herta says he's motivated to expand the brand’s footprint.

“They Hyundai i30 Ns we used this season are available for sale, but honestly I think the smarter purchase is the Veloster Ns with the contingency money Hyundai is paying all the way down to fifth place,” he added. “We have four drivers under contract [for IMSA], and there are no conflicts with World Challenge, so if that’s something a team wanted to look into, that’s a conversation we’d be open to having.

“And if there was a need for extra engineering support, that’s also there. We want the cars to be successful in both series, so we’re willing to step up from our side and support it strongly if there’s a front-running team that wants to compete.”