Ricca Autosport heads to Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2026 TC America Championship, continuing its strong start to the season with a multi-car Hyundai campaign. The Texas weekend also marks the opening rounds of the Hyundai N Trophy Cup, a five-event championship within the 14-round TC America season.
The team enters COTA with momentum across the driver lineup, including a tight championship battle at the top and the return of additional drivers to the roster.
Fast Facts:
-
Championship Fight Intensifies – Andre Castro enters the weekend tied for first place in the TC America Championship standings, with Justin Gravett in P2 and Eric Kunz close behind in P3, giving Ricca Autosport three drivers in the top three.
-
Expanded Lineup – PJ Groenke rejoins the team in the No. 76 Hyundai Elantra N TC Evo, while CJ Sepúlveda returns to pilot the No. 78 entry.
-
Hyundai N Trophy Cup Begins – COTA hosts the first round of the Hyundai N Trophy Cup, which will be contested across five select TC America events this season.
Full Team Effort at COTA
Andre Castro continues his standout season, entering the weekend tied at the top of the standings as he looks to build on early-season success. Justin Gravett and Eric Kunz have also been consistent front-runners, holding second and third in the championship respectively, reinforcing Ricca Autosport’s position as a leading force in TC America competition.
PJ Groenke returns to the lineup for COTA, adding valuable experience to the expanded five-car effort. Hyundai N Scholar Award winner CJ Sepúlveda will also take to the track in the No. 78 Hyundai, marking his return to TC America competition.
International Effort for Nürburgring Permit
Team owner Jeff Ricca and driver CJ Sepúlveda arrive at COTA directly from Germany after a challenging and emotional second attempt to secure Sepúlveda’s DMSB A Permit for Nürburgring competition. The coveted opportunity to compete in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hour endurance race with Hyundai was awarded when Sepulveda won the Hyundai N Racing Scholarship in 2025
Their initial effort in March was cut short after just one lap due to severe snow conditions. The follow-up trip presented further adversity, as the team’s VT2-class car sustained damage after on-track contact during Qualifying Race 1. That session was ultimately canceled following a tragic on-track fatality.
With limited opportunities remaining, Qualifying Race 2 became the final chance for Sepúlveda to secure the required permit for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Despite the setbacks, the team, with support from Hyundai, persevered and the A permit was secured.
Leadership Perspective
Jeff Ricca continues to oversee the team’s expanding program while supporting drivers both domestically and internationally. The Nürburgring effort underscores both Hyundai and the team’s commitment to driver development on a global stage, even amid challenging conditions. “With the level of talent we have in this lineup, I’m really looking forward to seeing how these drivers push each other at COTA and throughout the season as they battle for the championship. It’s a unique position to have multiple drivers at the front of the standings, and that internal competition only makes the entire program stronger. At the same time, it’s been incredibly rewarding to lead this team with the support of Hyundai.”
As the TC America Championship progresses into Rounds 3 and 4, Ricca Autosport aims to maintain its championship momentum while kicking off the Hyundai N Trophy Cup campaign at one of North America’s premier racing circuits.
Additional information, including session results and media assets, will be available following the event weekend.
Justin Gravett – #8 Hyundai Elantra N1 TC Evo
“COTA is one of the best tracks in the country, and doing it in front of a hometown crowd makes it even bigger. We’re ready to push hard and make the most of the entire weekend.”
Eric Kunz – #33 Hyundai Elantra N1 TC Evo
“I can’t wait to get back out on track at COTA! It was my first race in TC America last season so I’m excited to see how much I’ve developed since then. I’m lucky to be with Ricca Autosport, the team has helped me so much over the last year to get faster and adjust to the high level of competition.”
Andre Castro – #77 Hyundai Elantra N1 TC Evo
“It’s always exciting to race at COTA, a true world-class facility and F1 venue. We’re tied for the championship lead, so I’m ready to fight for more wins with the GenRacer Elantra! It’s also great to have this as the first race of the Hyundai N Trophy Cup, and I’m hoping to get that championship under way with a pair of good results.”
PJ Groenke – #76 Hyundai Elantra N1 TC Evo
“I’m elated to be back on track for SRO Tc America with Ricca Autosport & Hyundai Motor America in the Hyundai Elantra N1 TC Evo. Thank you to all my partners/sponsors for making this happen especially Vestacon, Tundra Technical Solutions, TalentNet, Welders Helper, Josef Gas, and Cabano’s Cheeseburgers. I wouldn’t be here without them and we’re ready to rock!”
CJ Sepúlveda – #78 Hyundai Elantra N1 TC Evo
“Stepping back into TC America with Ricca Autosport feels familiar in the best way. The team brings a level of energy and trust that’s hard to replicate, it means a lot to be with people I genuinely care about. I’ve just secured my DMSB A Permit for the upcoming Nürburgring 24-hour race, an opportunity Hyundai gave me last season for naming me the N Trophy Cup Racing Scholar. Now it’s about keeping momentum into a clean weekend at Circuit of the Aemricas with good friends in the always awesome Elantra N1 TC Evo.”
Shelby Mills – Fawn Group Motorsports by Ricca
#18 Hyundai Elantra N1 TC EVO
“I’m going into COTA with high expectations for myself, it’s a track I know well, and I hope for some redemption after falling short of the target at Sonoma. I know the Fawn Group MS by Ricca team has prepared the best car possible and I hope the results reflect that for the team!”
About Ricca Autosport:
Ricca Autosport is the official SRO Hyundai USA partner competing in the SRO TC America Powered by Skip Barber Racing School. A Motorsports Logistics Company, Ricca Autosport offers sales, support, and service. With three team and manufacturer championships and two driver championships since 2023 they have the race winning experience and hardware to deliver results for their partners and drivers. For more information, visit ricca-autosport.com and tcamerica.us
Media Contact:
Alicia Busa
alicia@aliciabusa.com
440-667-0079