Taylor Hagler returns to Michelin Pilot Challenge with BHA

RACERS

Jan 7, 20222 min read

2021 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge champion Taylor Hagler will return to the series to defend her TCR class crown, driving the #1 Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Elantra N TCR.

Photo credits: Sideline Sports Photography

She took the championship by storm in 2021, winning races and building a comfortable lead in the standings podium after podium. In 2022, Taylor Hagler - the first ever female champion in the series and only the second in IMSA - will return to defend her title, behind the wheel of the Hyundai Elantra N TCR by Bryan Herta Autosport, which this year will sport the deserved No.1.

The partnership with Bryan Herta Autosport started in 2021 and immediately proved to be a winning combination, which includes Michael Lewis - with whom Hagler has shared the wheel and taken five podiums and a win on route to the championship. Lewis, a two-time champion, will enter his fifth season with Hyundai.

“I’m proud to continue with Bryan Herta Autosport as the defending series champions in 2022” - said Taylor. “I’ve found a home with BHA and Hyundai and I can’t wait to get to work and see what we can accomplish in the Hyundai Elantra N TCR."

Hagler and Lewis will in fact move from the Hyundai Veloster to the Elantra N TCR - a vehicle that made its debut last year and collected two victories in 2021, respectively at Mid-Ohio and Laguna Seca.

"The team has worked very hard to develop the platform and we should be strong from the start of the season", she continued. "It’s going to be great to be with Michael Lewis again this season and build on the great relationship we have built. We will be pushing each other to bring another great result in 2022!"

Alongside a stunning season in IMSA, Hagler also made her debut in the SRO-sanctioned GT World Challenge America, where she made her debut in the GT3 platform. A HPD Young Driver Academy member, she drove the Racers Edge Motorsports' Acura NSX GT3 Evo to second in the championship, winning her three races in class and securing 8 podiums.

Taylor Hagler's 2022 season will start at Daytona International Speedway with the Roar Before the Rolex 24, a four-day test that precedes the season opener on Friday 28th January.

The 26-year-old Texan has not announced 2022 GT3-based plans yet.