News

The 2024 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season came to a close for Taylor Hagler at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on Friday. The two-time TCR Champion piloted the No. 77 Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Elantra N TCR to a top-ten finish for the final time this year during the Petit Le Mans finale weekend. 

For the final two-hour race, the No. 77 Hyundai was placed on pole for the second time this season and paced the field of 12 TCR entries to the green flag. Hagler’s teammate Bryson Morris took control of the field as green flag racing commenced. Morris maintained the lead position through Lap 28 before the No. 77 Hyundai came to pit lane under yellow flag conditions for a driver change to Hagler, four new Michelin tires and fuel. 

Hagler returned to the 2.54-mile track in fifth. She maintained the position through a short full-course caution period on Laps 34 and 35 before the field returned to green flag conditions. Hagler pushed the Hyundai to the limits navigating GS and TCR traffic through the restart. As the field began to settle around the Georgia race course, Hagler ran as high as 10th overall on Lap 51. A  need of fuel to make it to the checkered flag forced Hagler to bring the No. 77 Hyundai to pit lane for an unscheduled pit stop on Lap 55. Unfortunately, the move sent Hagler back in the running order as she returned to race pace. 

The Hyundai driver pushed the Elantra N TCR through the final 19 laps before crossing the finish line in ninth. Although a challenging season for the Texan, Hagler modeled consistent and clean racing as she completed all ten races this season in running condition while in the top-ten. 

Taylor Hagler, No. 77 Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Elantra N TCR: “A disappointing end to the season, but that is just how racing goes sometimes. The year has challenged me as a driver and pushed me to grow in new ways. Thank you to Hyundai and Bryan Herta Autosport for their work and dedication all year. I am looking forward to what is to come!”