Lexus And Vasser Sullivan Achieve Historic Win At Sebring International Raceway

The Vasser Sullivan No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 clinched a significant victory at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, held at Sebring International Raceway. This triumph marks a historic moment as it represents the first win for both Lexus and Vasser Sullivan in this prestigious 12-hour event. The achievement was spearheaded by driver Jack Hawksworth, who not only led the GT field to the green flag but also secured the team's first pole position in the qualifying session.

Despite facing a challenge early in the race due to a drive-through penalty for a pit road procedure violation, Hawksworth, alongside teammates Ben Barnicoat and Kyle Kirkwood, executed a strategic comeback. Their efforts paid off as they led for 133 laps on the 17-turn, 3.74-mile road course, ultimately securing the program's third GTD PRO endurance victory. This win adds to their impressive track record, including previous victories at the 2022 Petit Le Mans and the 2023 Six Hours of the Glen.

In addition to this remarkable achievement, it's noteworthy that Lexus and Vasser Sullivan had previously tasted victory at Sebring in 2020 with Hawksworth and Aaron Telitz. However, in Saturday's race, the team of Parker Thompson, Frankie Montecalvo, and Telitz faced challenges and finished 13th in the GTD class. Despite starting second and leading for 54 laps, multiple racing incidents impacted their performance.

The victorious driver trio expressed their pride in the team's performance and highlighted the flawless execution and hard work of the Lexus racing crew. They emphasized the significance of this victory for the organization. Thompson shared his disappointment with their race outcome but remained optimistic about securing victories in future races. Montecalvo praised the team's effort and expressed his gratitude for being part of Vasser Sullivan. Telitz congratulated his teammates on their success and looked forward to future races despite the setbacks faced during this event.

The team now sets its sights on their upcoming race at the Grand Prix of Long Beach, determined to continue their success. The resilience and dedication demonstrated by Lexus and Vasser Sullivan at Sebring underscore their commitment to excellence in motorsport.