Watkins Glen, New York – Lexus and Vasser Sullivan are back in the Empire State at famed Watkins Glen International for the Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen, the sixth race of the 2024 IMSA season. Both the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 in GTD PRO and the No. 12 RC F GT3 in GTD return to Upstate New York as defending race winners in last year’s historic six-hour endurance event where the Vasser Sullivan Lexus team captured their first ever double victory by winning both GT classes. The two teams and all five drivers are eager to back up those triumphs as the points battles heat up in both classes.

 

Lexus factory drivers, Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat, will split up the six-hour endurance race in the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 as they did last year on their way to victory. The Brits come to Watkins Glen fresh off a second-place finish in a hectic GTD PRO race on the streets of downtown Detroit three weeks ago. The podium result kept the No. 14 team second in the GTD PRO drivers and team points standings, as well as Lexus maintaining second in the class manufacturer’s standings.

 

With the return of endurance racing, Parker Thompson and Frankie Montecalvo will be rejoined by Aaron Telitz in the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 this weekend in hopes of repeating their GTD class win at Watkins Glen. Thompson and Montecalvo are coming off their first-ever starts in GTD PRO at Detroit earlier this month, ending the weekend with a hard fought fourth-place finish. The No. 12 team enters the weekend 10th in the GTD points standings, while Lexus sits fourth in the manufacturers standings.

 

The start of the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, on Sunday, June 23, will be broadcast live on USA Network from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET, along with live flag-to-flag coverage on Peacock from 11 a.m. to 5:30 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  

 

JACK HAWKSWORTH, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3  

What is the outlook at Watkins Glen this weekend?

 

“Watkins Glen has always been a great race track for the team and our Lexus RC F GT3 cars. It’s a blast to drive, and we’ve had success there previously, coming away with a victory in the sprint race there in 2021 and then the double win last year! With that being said, the six hours is always a tough race and lot can happen and usually does. We’ll focus on ourselves, try to put together a clean weekend and hopefully bring home some solid points.”

 

Detail your excitement returning to Watkins Glen.

 

”It’s Watkins Glen time! This is an easy race for us all to be really excited about. Our Lexus RC F GT3 always flies around the awesome, fast flowing, high grip track that ‘The Glen’ is. Last year was such a special day for the program with the double win for our Vasser Sullivan team. It would be amazing if we can do it again.”

 

Can you take us through your mindset returning to Watkins Glen?

 

"I’m thrilled to be back at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen with the same lineup that earned our Vasser Sullivan squad victory here in 2023. This Watkins Glen circuit is a great match for our Lexus RC F GT3 race cars. Winning a race as demanding as the Sahlen’s Six Hours takes an outstanding effort and a little bit of luck, and our group is well aware of that. There’s no doubt I’ll be pushing the No. 12 as best I can to repeat our victory in GTD.”

 

FRANKIE MONTECALVO, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3  

How is it being back at Watkins Glen which is close to home for you?

 

”I always love racing at Watkins Glen. This circuit is one of the closest to my home, which makes it easy for friends and family to support. The Lexus RC F GT3 always performs phenomenal at this track and is a blast to drive. We will be defending our race win from last year and cannot wait to get down to business. Our driver line up is exactly the same, but we have gained momentum and more experience.”

 

AARON TELITZ, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3  

What are your thoughts for this weekend?

 

"I can't wait to get back to work with the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan boys! Parker (Thompson), Frankie (Montecalvo) and I are ready to defend our title at ‘The Glen’ and get the 12 car its first win of the season. The Glen is one of my favorite tracks and I really enjoy the six-hour format. The perfect blend of sprint and endurance mindset."

 

 

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 15 wins, 42 podium finishes and 21 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.