Hyundai’s high-performance N brand has once again proven its exceptional driving capabilities, successfully completing the grueling ‘Nürburgring 24-Hour Race’ and securing victory for the eighth consecutive year.
On the 21st of May (local time), Hyundai announced that its Elantra N TCR (known locally as the Avante N TCR) and i30 Fastback N Cup Car both took first place in their respective TCR and VT2 classes during the ‘2023 Nürburgring 24-Hour Race’ held in Germany.
A total of 131 vehicles participated in the event, with 88 successfully finishing (a completion rate of about 67%). Hyundai entered four cars: two Elantra N TCRs in the TCR class and two i30 Fastback N Cup Cars in the VT2 class, with three of them achieving completion.
The Elantra N TCR achieved its third consecutive victory in the TCR class, while finishing 26th overall, showcasing the remarkable durability and performance of the high-performance N brand.
The i30 Fastback N Cup Car, competing in the VT2 class, also clinched first place, finishing 68th overall.
Since 2016, Hyundai has set a remarkable record of finishing the Nürburgring race for eight consecutive years, solidifying its N brand’s technological prowess in the eyes of motorsport fans worldwide.
Noteworthy performances from new team members attracted attention this year. The American Bryan Herta Autosport team, competing in the TCR class, achieved a commendable second place in the TCR class and finished 29th overall.
This March, Junseong Park, who was recently selected through the ‘Hyundai Junior Driver Program,’ made his debut as a racing driver. Although he failed to finish in the VT2 class, he displayed a remarkable spirit by not giving up until the end, gaining valuable experience that will help him grow as a racing driver.
Til Battenberg, Executive Director of Hyundai’s N Brand & Motorsport Division, expressed his delight at the achievement of completing the Nürburgring race for eight consecutive years along with the Elantra N TCR’s three consecutive victories in the TCR class, stating, “We will continue to challenge ourselves to enhance the technology of our high-performance N brand, delivering new driving experiences to our customers.”
Meanwhile, during the race, Hyundai set up an ‘N-Fan Zone’ booth outside the Nürburgring circuit, showcasing the ‘N Vision 74’ and the i20 N WRC race car, which secured the 2020 WRC manufacturer title, attracting the attention of many fans.
Additionally, Hyundai provided a 24-hour live stream of the Nürburgring race via the official ‘Hyundai N’ website, allowing motorsport fans to watch the race anytime, anywhere.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr