Well, that's some really awesome news I wasn't expecting to read today.
I think it's extra cool that it's going to be a Genesis.
Photography Credit: Chris Tropea
Add another manufacturer to LMDh competition: Hyundai Motorsport through the Genesis brand. No timeline has been announced for its debut, nor any series, although LMDh cars are eligible for the IMSA GTP class.
The statement from Hyundai Motorsport and Genesis read, as on IMSA's website:
“Genesis is proud to announce its ambitious entry into the world of endurance racing through the LMDh program. Genesis is actively exploring programs to strengthen its high-performance image, and after a thorough evaluation of various options, LMDh emerged as the most strategic choice for us at this time.
“We have carefully analyzed LMDh and found it to be a natural fit for our motorsport ambitions and a valuable platform to drive the development of future mobility technologies for road cars. Endurance racing presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Genesis’ cutting-edge technology, design philosophy and performance-driven character in a highly competitive arena. This project is part of our broader vision for the future of mobility.”
Hyundai has claimed five straight driver and team championships in the TCR class of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and four consecutive manufacturer titles (2020-’23).
Well, that's some really awesome news I wasn't expecting to read today.
I think it's extra cool that it's going to be a Genesis.
This rumor has been lingering for a while. Pretty cool to hear and in line with the direction and trajectory of the Hyundai/KIA/Genesis brands over the last few years. It'll be interesting to see who they might partner with to develop the chassis, engine, etc.
When we were at the Nurburgring 24, my Hyundai buddy asked me casually "So what would you do to increase Hyundai's high-end motorsports visibility?" and I told him "Genesis badges on GTP cars and Hyundai badges on GT3 cars." So, you're welcome.
Obviously this way May of this year, so he probably already knew this was going to happen, but I'm sure it was nice to get some validation.
Now they just need to find a GT3 car, which is going to be trickier since they don't have a RWD two door or sports car, and all the high performance street stuff they seem to be moving toward is full EV.
JG Pasterjak said:When we were at the Nurburgring 24, my Hyundai buddy asked me casually "So what would you do to increase Hyundai's high-end motorsports visibility?" and I told him "Genesis badges on GTP cars and Hyundai badges on GT3 cars." So, you're welcome.
Obviously this way May of this year, so he probably already knew this was going to happen, but I'm sure it was nice to get some validation.
Now they just need to find a GT3 car, which is going to be trickier since they don't have a RWD two door or sports car, and all the high performance street stuff they seem to be moving toward is full EV.
Isn't the G70 a RWD platform? Is there a rule that a GT3 has to be 2-door?
I found the Genesis branding surprising, I figured they'd want to get more global recognition of the N brand.
Plus they'd have Hyundai N taking on Toyota GR in WRC and WEC.
JG Pasterjak said:Obviously this way May of this year, so he probably already knew this was going to happen, but I'm sure it was nice to get some validation.
Just imagine if that wasn't the case, and your Hyundai buddy ran back to HQ and was like "Guys I have an idea that I definitely came up with all by myself."
Racer Magazine suggests Genesis may partner with Oreca and Chip Ganassi Racing. May start next year in LMP2 in the European Le Mans series to get an understanding of the sport and rules and then move up to WEC and IMSA in 2026.
DirtyBird222 said:JG Pasterjak said:When we were at the Nurburgring 24, my Hyundai buddy asked me casually "So what would you do to increase Hyundai's high-end motorsports visibility?" and I told him "Genesis badges on GTP cars and Hyundai badges on GT3 cars." So, you're welcome.
Obviously this way May of this year, so he probably already knew this was going to happen, but I'm sure it was nice to get some validation.
Now they just need to find a GT3 car, which is going to be trickier since they don't have a RWD two door or sports car, and all the high performance street stuff they seem to be moving toward is full EV.
Isn't the G70 a RWD platform? Is there a rule that a GT3 has to be 2-door?
There's no rule from the FIA, but there probably are rules from the corporate marketing departments and I'm not sure any of the big Genesae are market correct for a GT3 run. And don't forget GT3 car have to be available to customers, so they have to be somewhat mass-produceable, so they'd have to commit to a deal where building a dozen or more cars would at least be possible should customer come-a-calling.
Colin Wood said:JG Pasterjak said:Obviously this way May of this year, so he probably already knew this was going to happen, but I'm sure it was nice to get some validation.
Just imagine if that wasn't the case, and your Hyundai buddy ran back to HQ and was like "Guys I have an idea that I definitely came up with all by myself."
I mean I like to think that would at least get me a return invite, so i'm okay with it.
JG Pasterjak said:When we were at the Nurburgring 24, my Hyundai buddy asked me casually "So what would you do to increase Hyundai's high-end motorsports visibility?" and I told him "Genesis badges on GTP cars and Hyundai badges on GT3 cars." So, you're welcome.
Obviously this way May of this year, so he probably already knew this was going to happen, but I'm sure it was nice to get some validation.
Now they just need to find a GT3 car, which is going to be trickier since they don't have a RWD two door or sports car, and all the high performance street stuff they seem to be moving toward is full EV.
Maybe the Hyundai N Vision 74 concept, which reports say is happening, will become the RWD ICE car we're craving.
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