Josh Files elated with 37th to eighth performance in Hungary Race 2

Target Competition’s Josh Files bounced back from a last-minute technical issue in the second TCR Europe Touring Car Series race at the Hungaroring to finish eighth in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, scoring critical points following his second place finish in Race 1.

Due to start from sixth on the grid, the team discovered a wheel bearing issue on the grid which would have led to certain retirement, so he was wheeled off the track and into the pits as the team conducted repairs to get him to make the start of the race, at least from the pit lane.

With the rain falling lightly at the Hungarian circuit, it led to one of the most dramatic races in the championship’s short history, with contacts happening throughout the field during the short 12-minute sprint following two extended safety car periods.

Files’ picked his way through to finish eighth, with Luca Engstler, also in a Hyundai racing for M1RA, making similar progress, effectively going from 36th to 12th.

“I want to thank the team, as they did a great job not only in spotting it, but also fixing it so quickly so we could make the start,” said Josh Files to TouringCarTimes.

“It was an exciting race, I think one of my best. And if we’d had another lap, I think we would have made the podium as there was such good pace in the car.

“To just be five points off the championship lead after starting a 37-car race from last, I’m very happy with that.”