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aThe IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge field completed the seventh stop of the 2024 calendar at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Taylor Hagler in the No. 77 Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Elantra N TCR took home the sixth place spot in the Road America 120 on Saturday. 

The field of GS and TCR drivers were challenged through the race weekend battling blazing temperatures. This factor became critical while Road America is known for its long stretches of track and quick corners, fuel strategy is central to being in contention at the end when racing at Road America. In order to save optimal fuel, drivers are forced to limit air conditioning usage and keep the windows up for optimal aerodynamics. Hagler had the task in front of her to save fuel during the opening stint while battling the elements. 

Hagler rolled off the starting grid from fifth prepared for the 120-minute race and settled into race pace during the opening laps. Hagler completed 14 green flag laps battling between fifth and sixth. When the first full course caution appeared on Lap 15, the BHA team called Hagler into pit lane  for a driver change to teammate Bryson Morris, four tires and fuel. When Hagler had completed her stint, she executed the fuel strategy flawlessly saving laps of fuel while maintaining consistent lap times and defending her track position. 

The timely call to pit lane allowed the No. 77 to reenter the course in third just behind the sister No. 98 BHA Hyundai entry. Morris kept the Hyundai in top three contention through 12 laps before a second call to pitlane came to optimize fuel consumption to the end of the race. Quick work by the No. 77 crew allowed Morris to hop in front of the No. 98 sister car gaining another on-track position in pit lane. 

The final yellow flag came on Lap 41 setting up a dash to the checkered flag. Morris sat in fourth place behind two of the leaders who were short on fuel. As the field returned to green, the field packed together to work through Turn 1 causing a jostling of on-track position. Morris held on to secure a sixth place finish. 

Taylor Hagler, Driver of the No. 77 Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Elantra N TCR: “Overall, it was a strong weekend in Elkhart Lake. Road America always poses a challenge for fuel strategy with how long the course is. The No. 77 BHA team called a good strategy today and executed well on pit lane to put us in a good position towards the end of the race. The last restart was close and chaotic, but we were able to hold on to a sixth place finish.”