Bryan Herta Autosport teams take podium finishes at Sebring 21.03.2023: Bryan Herta Autosport Elantra N TCR drivers Harry Gottsacker and Robert Wickens narrowly missed out on IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge victory at Sebring International Raceway (March 15-16). After starting fourth, Gottsacker was part of a very close

Bryan Herta Autosport Elantra N TCR drivers Harry Gottsacker and Robert Wickens narrowly missed out on IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge victory at Sebring International Raceway (March 15-16).



 After starting fourth, Gottsacker was part of a very close battle for the lead during the opening part of the race. His stint ultimately took him to the front of the TCR class on lap 20, before making his scheduled pit stop to hand over to Wickens.
 


The timing of the stop proved to be perfect, as Wickens was able to retake the position a few laps later when the rest of the front runners made their own visits to the pit lane during a Safety Car period.


Following the restart, Wickens would hold the lead until the closing laps of the race, when the Canadian came under increasing pressure from behind. Against several challenges, he was able to defend the place, though his rival was eventually able to pull alongside on the inside line for a corner.



At that exact moment the Safety Car was called out once more, with the Elantra N TCR driver judged to have been fractionally behind when the race was neutralised. A single lap remained once the incident was cleared and Wickens was unable to take back first place.



He did, though, maintain second ahead of team-mate – and compatriot – Mark Wilkins, who picked up third on the final lap in the car started by Mason Filippi. Wilkins and Filippi now lie second in the early championship standings after two races. Gottsacker and Wilkins are third.



 
The two-hour contest also saw the Elantra N TCR debut of Van der Steur Racing. Shared by drivers Tyler Maxson and Bryan Ortiz, the car finished sixth after Ortiz has led a dozen laps after starting the race.
 


 
Andy Stobart, James Broomhead- photos IMSA Galstad, Levitt