Hyundai N Secures Fifth Consecutive TCR Class Victory at Nürburgring 24h, Celebrates 10-Year Milestone at Iconic Endurance Race
Hyundai Motor Company’s high-performance N brand marked a historic double milestone at the 2024 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, clinching its fifth straight TCR class victory and celebrating ten consecutive years of participation in one of motorsport’s most grueling endurance events. Held from June 21–22 at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, the 24-hour event once again proved to be a critical testing ground for Hyundai’s motorsport ambitions and its ever-advancing high-performance vehicle technology.
Known as the “Green Hell,” the Nürburgring 24h race is regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance events, drawing global manufacturers, elite racing teams, and hardcore fans to the 25.378-kilometer track. It combines the historic Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit with the unforgiving Nordschleife loop, creating a brutal challenge that pushes both human and machine to their limits. For Hyundai, it was an opportunity not only to test the durability and competitiveness of its performance vehicles, but also to solidify its motorsport credentials on an international stage.
Dominant Performance by ELANTRA N TCR: A Testament to Durability and Racing Pedigree
Hyundai N entered the race with a two-car ELANTRA N TCR lineup in the TCR class, complemented by the debut of the ELANTRA N1 Cup car in the SP3T class. The ELANTRA N TCR — sold as the AVANTE N TCR in South Korea — has become a symbol of consistency and reliability in endurance racing. The performance this year further entrenched its reputation, as both entries delivered exceptional results.
The team secured a dominant one-two finish in the TCR class, reinforcing the ELANTRA N TCR’s legacy as one of the most successful touring cars in its category. Car #1, driven by a seasoned European trio — Marc Basseng, Manuel Lauck, and Christer Joens — emerged victorious in the class. Meanwhile, Car #2, fielded by the North American team of Bryson Morris, Michael Louis, Mason Filippi, and Robert Wickens, crossed the finish line in second place, completing a powerful statement of intent from Hyundai on both sides of the Atlantic.
“This victory is not just a race result; it’s the culmination of a decade of engineering dedication, team effort, and a global vision for motorsport,” said Joon Park, Vice President and Head of the N Brand Management Group. “Our fifth straight win at Nürburgring and tenth consecutive year participating in this iconic race exemplify our unwavering commitment to high-performance vehicles and the spirit of competition.”
Robert Wickens’ Return: A Story of Resilience and Inclusion in Racing
Among the most emotional highlights of Hyundai N’s participation this year was the return of Robert Wickens, the Canadian driver who continues to inspire motorsport fans around the world. After a hiatus in 2024, Wickens was back in action behind the wheel of the ELANTRA N TCR, equipped with a custom hand-control system to accommodate his paraplegia following a serious crash in 2018.
Driving in such a challenging endurance race is an accomplishment for any athlete, but for Wickens — navigating 24 hours of high-speed racing with only hand controls — the feat was extraordinary. He exemplifies Hyundai’s vision of inclusive motorsport, proving that racing is open to anyone with the drive and determination to compete.
“Robert’s presence brings more than just performance to the team; it brings heart, inspiration, and a broader purpose,” said Joon Park. “He represents the spirit of Hyundai N: no limits, only possibilities.”
A Decade of Racing at the Ring: From Debut to Dominance
Hyundai’s first participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours came in 2016, a year that marked the brand’s early commitment to motorsports. Since then, Hyundai has steadily evolved from a newcomer to a formidable contender in multiple racing disciplines.
The ELANTRA N TCR’s development is closely tied to the harsh testing grounds of Nürburgring, where Hyundai operates one of its most important R&D facilities. The Nordschleife’s punishing corners, elevation changes, and unpredictable weather serve as a perfect laboratory for improving chassis tuning, powertrain endurance, and overall vehicle dynamics.
Over the past decade, Hyundai’s motorsport division has expanded its presence beyond touring cars to include World Rally Championship (WRC), electric racing platforms, and customer racing programs, all of which benefit from lessons learned at the Nürburgring. Each year, Hyundai leverages the race not only as a showcase, but also as a live testing event to collect valuable data for future production models.
ELANTRA N1 Cup Car Makes SP3T Class Debut
Expanding its motorsport footprint, Hyundai introduced the ELANTRA N1 Cup car into the SP3T class, marking the model’s first official participation in the 24-hour race. The N1 Cup car is based on the ELANTRA N production model but optimized for club-level and semi-professional racing, making its appearance a strategic move to attract more grassroots motorsport interest.
Unfortunately, the N1 Cup car was forced to retire after 17 hours due to a rear-end collision with another vehicle. While the result was disappointing, the debut still provided Hyundai engineers with valuable real-world data under race conditions.
“This kind of testing is invaluable,” said one Hyundai race engineer. “Every lap on the Nordschleife teaches us something — whether about heat resistance, tire wear, or brake system durability. Even though the N1 Cup car didn’t finish, it passed multiple development milestones.”
Beyond Racing: Collaboration Over Competition
In a rare display of unity in the world of motorsport, Hyundai and Toyota partnered to co-host a joint fan booth at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. This cross-brand collaboration was not just a marketing gesture, but a symbolic representation of the camaraderie that can exist in competitive environments.
The booth highlighted each company’s technological achievements, racing machines, and philosophies around performance. Fans had the chance to interact with both Hyundai N and Toyota GAZOO Racing teams, further blurring the lines between rivals and collaborators.
This joint effort builds upon the growing relationship between the two companies, which was recently showcased during the Hyundai N x Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival held in October 2024 at Korea’s Yongin Speedway. Most recently, executives from both Hyundai N and Toyota were spotted attending the final round of the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) season in Japan, emphasizing a mutual commitment to elevating motorsport on a global scale.
Advancing the N Brand Vision: Track to Road
The Nürburgring 24 Hours is not merely a motorsport spectacle for Hyundai N — it is a proving ground that translates directly into its commercial strategy. The lessons learned from each race are directly channeled into the N sub-brand’s development pipeline, influencing vehicles like the ELANTRA N, i30 N, KONA N, and future electric N models.
From suspension geometry and turbo calibration to aerodynamic efficiency and real-time data diagnostics, the track remains Hyundai’s most brutal — and honest — laboratory. For consumers, it means that every Hyundai N vehicle carries DNA forged in one of the world’s toughest racing environments.
Looking ahead, Hyundai N continues to invest in hybrid and electric motorsport technologies, including the development of high-performance EVs like the IONIQ 5 N, which debuted in late 2023. These efforts are part of the brand’s broader strategy to remain at the forefront of sustainable performance without compromising on the excitement of driving.
Ten Years, Five Wins, and an Unstoppable Momentum
Hyundai N ’s 2024 campaign at the Nürburgring 24 Hours marks a remarkable journey of growth, grit, and global impact. From a first-time participant to a dominant class champion, Hyundai N has proven that it belongs among the elite in endurance racing.
The fifth consecutive TCR class win, combined with the emotional comeback of Robert Wickens, the technical expansion into SP3T, and the collaborative spirit with Toyota, all contribute to a landmark year for Hyundai N Motorsport.
As Hyundai N looks toward the next decade, one thing is clear: the N brand’s passion for racing is not just about winning — it’s about pushing boundaries, inspiring drivers, and delivering vehicles that make every road feel like the Nürburgring.
