#1 Nürburgring content creator Misha Charoudin is set to compete at 2024 World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC) in the searing high-performance IONIQ 5 N.
Hyundai’s WTAC story began with the entry of a modified i30 Fastback N in 2019. Entered in the Clubsprint class for modified road cars, it served as a test-bed for high-performance innovations and paved the way for future factory appearances.
WTAC 2019 also provided the backdrop for the global reveal of Hyundai’s iMax ‘Drift Bus’, a 300-plus-kW, twin-turbo V6 skunkworks special devised and developed by Hyundai Australia’s R&D.
More recently, in 2023, legendary Japanese ‘Drift King’ Keiichi Tsuchiya debuted IONIQ 5 N in a series of spectacular WTAC demonstration laps.
Now, IONIQ 5 N is set to be thrust into competition at WTAC 2024 as the event’s first-ever EV entry.
“Following IONIQ 5 N’s debut at last year’s WTAC, with Keiichi Tsuchiya at the wheel, the logical next step for us is to compete in 2024,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, Ted Lee.
“We are incredibly excited to strap the capable and charismatic Misha Charoudin into a race-prepared IONIQ 5 N to compete at WTAC in August,” he said.
IONIQ 5 N will take to the Sydney Motorsport Park circuit as a lightly modified road car equipped with the mandatory safety equipment, wearing track wheels and tyres, with all preparation undertaken locally by Hyundai Australia.
Driver and #1 Nürburgring content creator Misha Charoudin is known for his engaging and exciting onboard videos from the Nürburgring.
The 34-year-old has been racing since 2011, and has lived at The Green Hell since 2015, where he has built an international following with his authentic and insightful commentaries.
“This is a dream coming true. My journey in motorsports began in 2011 when I built and raced a car for the Dutch Time Attack Championship. By 2013, I had the honour of supporting a guest competitor at the WTAC, where I was fascinated by the intense level competition and great organisation of the event,” said Misha Charoudin.
“Ever since the introduction of the i30 N, I’ve been particularly captivated by the Hyundai N models’ incredible performance on the track, including their repeated successes at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.”
“The IONIQ 5 N, in particular, has impressed me with its remarkable out-of-the-box capabilities – as well as my audience – as its content gathered 1.1 million views on YouTube, over 20 million views on Instagram. It is a privilege to drive the IONIQ 5 N – a car that my followers and I have grown to love – and to represent Hyundai at such a prestigious level.”
“Returning to Time Attack racing brings my career full circle, making this moment even more special. I will do my best to showcase the performance and capabilities of the IONIQ 5 N on a global stage.”
Further details on the WTAC 2024 IONIQ 5 N and its unique livery will be announced closer to the event, along with details of Hyundai’s off-track presence and activities.
World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC)
WTAC is the world’s largest time attack racing festival, with a history dating back to 2010. This year’s event will take place over two-days (30-31 August) at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Top Australian and international teams will battle in cars highly modified for extreme power and downforce, with the driver setting the quickest single lap crowned champion.
For further details about WTAC visit: https://worldtimeattack.com/
