Ricca Autosport heads to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2026 TC America Championship carrying momentum from a strong start to the season and fresh off a landmark international achievement for the team's driver development program. With multiple drivers firmly in championship contention and growing support from Hyundai's motorsports and enthusiast communities, the team looks to continue its success at one of North America's most iconic road courses.
Fast Facts:
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Championship Battle Continues – Andre Castro, Justin Gravett, and Eric Kunz remain firmly in the hunt as Ricca Autosport continues its pursuit of the 2026 TC America Championship.
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Historic Nürburgring Achievement – Hyundai N Racing Scholar CJ Sepúlveda recently became the first Puerto Rican driver to compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours after an unprecedented international effort ensured he could race under the Puerto Rican flag.
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Growing Hyundai Community Presence – More than 27 Hyundai N Club vehicles are expected in the paddock at Road Atlanta, highlighting the continued growth of Hyundai's enthusiast community and support for customer racing programs.
Championship Momentum Builds
As the TC America season reaches its midpoint, Ricca Autosport continues to demonstrate the depth of its driver lineup and development platform. Andre Castro has emerged as one of the championship's leading contenders, combining strong on-track performances with an increasingly visible role as an ambassador for both the team and Hyundai. Justin Gravett arrives at Road Atlanta with recent race mileage through the MX-5 Cup and valuable experience at the Georgia circuit, while Eric Kunz remains firmly in the championship battle as he continues to build momentum throughout the season.
The team will once again field a strong Hyundai Elantra N1 TC Evo lineup, including PJ Groenke, who will make his first appearance at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, a circuit he has long hoped to compete on.
A Historic Milestone at Nürburgring
While the focus this weekend remains on TC America competition, the Ricca Autosport driver development program recently reached a significant milestone when Hyundai N Racing Scholar CJ Sepúlveda competed in the Nürburgring 24 Hours as part of Hyundai Motorsport's factory-supported effort.
Following multiple trips to Germany, weather delays, licensing hurdles, and months of preparation, Sepúlveda ultimately became the first Puerto Rican driver to compete in the legendary endurance race.
One of the most memorable moments came before the race ever began. During final registration, the team discovered Sepúlveda’s name was next to an American Flag. The event organizers explained it was because his FIA racing license was from the US and apparently Puerto Rico was not available as a nationality option within the Deutscher Motor Sport Bund (DMSB) licensing system. What followed was an unprecedented effort involving the head of Puerto Rico's FIA fast tracking a license, and the DMSB's IT department creating a software update to ensure the registration platform included Puerto Rico as a selectable nationality. A huge effort by all parties that allowed him to officially compete under the Puerto Rican flag.
Behind the wheel, Sepúlveda exceeded expectations by completing more than six hours of race time without incident while helping his team reach the finish of one of motorsport's most demanding events.
"Nürburgring was a magical experience," said Sepúlveda. "I surpassed every expectation I had of it, which was amazing because my expectations were already very high. My goal was to be a good teammate, take care of the car, avoid accidents, and gain some nighttime experience. Thankfully, I was able to do all of that and more. My biggest highlight on track was starting a stint in complete darkness and then watching the sun rise a few hours later. Jeff Ricca was a key role in my success, not even sleeping to mentor me every time I got in and out of the car and ensure I was doing well.”
Hyundai Development Pathway Continues to Deliver Results
The Nürburgring program further demonstrated Hyundai's commitment to developing drivers through its global motorsport initiatives. Delivering a 3rd and 4th place result in collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport and Hyundai Motor Company, the effort showcased the opportunities available through programs such as the Hyundai N Racing Scholarship.
That commitment to development continues throughout the Ricca Autosport paddock. Hyundai team Bryan Herta Autosport driver Harry Gottsacker has played an active role mentoring Shelby Mills as he continues his progression to building his own program, while driver Mark Wilkins will be supporting Eric Kunz throughout the Road Atlanta weekend.
The Hyundai community's support will also be on display at Road Atlanta, where more than 27 Hyundai N Club vehicles are expected to attend and participate in weekend activities.
Leadership Perspective
For team owner Jeff Ricca, the Nürburgring effort reinforced the value of a development philosophy centered on preparation, discipline, and long-term growth.
"CJ's performance at Nürburgring perfectly reflected what we try to teach our drivers," said Ricca. "The goal wasn't to set the fastest lap of the race. The goal was to finish, represent Hyundai professionally, and make smart decisions. He listened, stayed disciplined, kept the car clean, and delivered exactly what the team needed. What Hyundai has built is much bigger than a race team. There is a genuine commitment to helping drivers grow. We're proud to be part of that process."
As the TC America Championship heads to one of its most challenging venues, Ricca Autosport remains focused on strengthening its championship position while continuing to showcase one of the sport's most successful manufacturer driver development programs.
Additional information, including session results and media assets, will be available following the event weekend.
Justin Gravett – #8 Hyundai Elantra N1 TC Evo
“Looking forward to Road Atlanta with Ricca Autosport. It's definitely one of my favorite tracks to drive due to the heavy elevation changes and I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of the Hyundai Elantra N!TC EVO to see what we can do.”
Eric Kunz – #33 Hyundai Elantra N1 TC Evo
“I’m excited to return to TC America this season with Ricca Autosport and incredibly grateful and honoured to carry the Hyundai Hope On Wheels livery and the iconic #33. Our goal is to consistently fight at the front, put in performances that make the team and Hyundai proud, and bring even more attention to the incredible work Hyundai Hope on Wheels is doing for pediatric cancer research and care.”
Andre Castro – #77 Hyundai Elantra N1 TC Evo
“I’m excited to be resuming the Hyundai N Trophy Cup at Road Atlanta. This was the site of my first ever win just about ten years ago, which puts into perspective just how much time has passed and how much I’ve been through since then. It’s certainly nice to be leading two championships, and I hope I can maintain or extend my lead in both! Massive thanks to Borkan & Scahill LTD for continuing to support our #77 team; I’m hoping to bring back some good results for them and for everyone at Hyundai and Ricca Autosport.”
PJ Groenke – #76 Hyundai Elantra N1 TC Evo
”I’m elated to race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for the very first time! Another check mark for the career. With blind high speed, high commitment corners it’s very similar to my home track Mosport and should be a good one for me. Ready to bounce back from the poor start to the season and get back to where I belong, up front. Time for Georgie Peach Podiums!”
Shelby Mills – Fawn Group Motorsports by Ricca #18 Hyundai Elantra N1 TC EVO
“I’m feeling pretty good going into Road Atlanta - The goal remains the same, keep working my way up the Grid. Working closely with Harry has been a huge help and I’m looking to make the best of the new found pace and lean on my significant experience at Road Atlanta to get into the podium results I know I’m capable of.”
2026 TC America Powered by Skip Barber Schedule
- Sonoma Raceway — March 26–29
- Circuit of the Americas — April 24–26
- Sebring International Raceway — May 7–9
- Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta — June 12–14
- Road America — August 28–30
- Barber Motorsports Park — September 25–27
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway — October 8–11
Media Contact:
Alicia Busa
alicia@aliciabusa.com
440-667-0079
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