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Sebring, Florida – The Vasser Sullivan Lexus team brings their RC F GT3s to Sebring International Raceway for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the second event of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. 2024 marks the 72nd edition of the 12-hour endurance race at the 17-turn, 3.74-mile historic Florida road course.

 

Lexus factory drivers Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat will race the No. 14 RC F GT3 this weekend, once again joined by endurance driver and IndyCar racer Kyle Kirkwood. Hawksworth, Barnicoat and Kirkwood have an endurance win together at the Petit Le Mans in 2022, marking the first endurance victory for Lexus and Vasser Sullivan. The driver trio will make their second 12 Hours of Sebring start together after finishing second a year ago.

 

Parker Thompson and Frankie Montecalvo are back behind the wheel of the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3, with Aaron Telitz as the endurance driver to contest the 12-hour endurance event. Focused on securing the first GTD class win in the Sebring 12 Hour race and maximizing points for Lexus and Vasser Sullivan, this driver lineup will make their second start together in this event after finishing fifth in 2023.

 

Saturday marks the ninth time the Lexus RC F GT3s will compete at Sebring International Raceway. Lexus and Vasser Sullivan claimed victory at the Florida road course in 2020 with Hawksworth and Telitz winning a sprint event added to the IMSA schedule that year.

 

The Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring will be streamed live on Peacock starting at 9:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 16, with broadcast television coverage on USA Network beginning at 4 p.m. ET, running through 10 p.m. ET. To keep up with all the racing action, follow Lexus Racing on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok by using #LexusPerformance. 

Vasser Sullivan Driver Quotes 

Can you explain your mindset heading into Sebring this weekend?

“I’m very excited to head to Sebring. It is such a historic and special event and one everybody has circled at the start of the year. We had a positive test in February with our Lexus RC F GT3s and we'll be looking to lock in and kickstart the rest of our season with a big rebound after the disappointment of Daytona. We have an extra special Mobil 1 livery for this event as well, which should look spectacular!"

 

BEN BARNICOAT, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 

What is your outlook for the 12 Hours of Sebring this weekend?

“I'm really looking forward to getting back on track with the Vasser Sullivan Lexus Racing team this weekend for the Twelve Hours of Sebring. None of our fans, nor anyone in the entire organization, deserved what happened at Daytona, so we're definitely heading into this race looking for redemption with both the 12 and 14 cars! As always, the team has been working relentlessly in the gap to give us the best race cars possible for the event. We had a really good test here, and given our strong P2 finish last season for myself, Jack (Hawksworth) and Kyle (Kirkwood), we're feeling confident to be in contention for our first Sebring 12 hour win.”

 

KYLE KIRKWOOD, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 

Are you looking forward to getting back into the Lexus RC F GT3 at Sebring?

“I’m really excited to get back behind the wheel of the Lexus RC F GT3 with Jack (Hawksworth) and Ben (Barnicoat). There are a lot of things going for our Vasser Sullivan team, and after some misfortune at Daytona, all we want to do is get back into the fight. Sebring has always been a ‘what could have been’ for us, so with that, we know we have fast cars and we know we have the team to capitalize and gain that extra step to the top.”

 

PARKER THOMPSON, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 

How are you feeling heading into Sebring?

“I haven’t been this excited to get back to a race track since I started my journey with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA. We have some unfinished business from Daytona, simple as that! Our entire team has worked really hard in the offseason and coming out of Rolex 24, and we’re excited to show it as we get into the swing of things for the 2024 season. Watch out for the No. 12 SealMaster Lexus RC F GT3. We’re ready to take on the sunshine state and the famous 12 Hours of Sebring!”

 

FRANKIE MONTECALVO, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 

What is the mood of the race team coming into Sebring?

“Sebring cannot come soon enough. The boys on the 12 car did a phenomenal job getting the car perfect after Daytona. All the drivers have put in the time between races to be more ready than ever. We have the best team, a great car and a great line up to go win this.”

 

AARON TELITZ, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 

How does it feel to be back in the Lexus RC F GT3 at Sebring after some time off?

 “It always feels like way too long between Daytona and Sebring! The No. 12 team is hungrier than ever after the heartbreak at the end of the Rolex 24. Frankie (Montecalvo), Parker (Thompson) and I are ready for some redemption and to get our 2024 season back on track!”

 

 

The Lexus RC F GT3 enters its eighth season in the GTD class, and third year in the GTD PRO category, competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Over the last six seasons, Lexus and Vasser Sullivan have combined to earn 13 wins, 39 podium finishes and 19 pole positions with the RC F GT3. Lexus won its first full-season IMSA GTD PRO Manufacturers Championship on the strength of two wins and podium positions in nine of 11 races in 2023. 

  

Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With eight models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.