Braselton, Georgia – The defending GTD PRO champion Vasser Sullivan Lexus team arrives at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta to compete in the 27th Petit Le Mans on Saturday, marking the final race of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar season. Both the No. 12 and 14 Lexus RC F GT3 teams look to end their seasons on a high note at the 2.54-mile Georgia road course where the program has experienced success in the past.

 

Jack Hawksworth, Ben Barnicoat and the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 come to the final race of the IMSA season with Lexus sitting fourth in the GTD PRO manufacturer standings, only 98 points behind second place. The Brits nearly secured their fifth podium finish of 2024 at Indianapolis three weeks ago but came home fourth at the checkered flag to finish with a solid points day. They return to Road Atlanta where Hawksworth has claimed the pole position the last two seasons and the No. 14 team were GTD PRO race victors in 2022, earning the first endurance win for the Vasser Sullivan Lexus program. INDYCAR driver Kyle Kirkwood returns to the team this weekend to join Hawksworth and Barnicoat for the 10-hour endurance race. The last time the trio ran together in the No. 14 RC F GT3, the team earned its first Twelve Hours of Sebring victory back in March.

 

The lineup of Frankie Montecalvo, Parker Thompson and Aaron Telitz stays the same this weekend for the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 in the GTD class. The drivers arrive for the Petit Le Mans eager for a strong weekend to finish out 2024. Like their No. 14 teammates, the No. 12 has run strong at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in the past, which includes a pole by Montecalvo in 2020. Lexus is sixth in the GTD class manufacturer standings heading into the weekend, 11 points behind Aston Martin in fifth position. Lexus also has the potential to reach second in the GTD manufacturer standings , currently 139 behind the runner-up position.

 

Live television coverage of the Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on Saturday will be broadcast on NBC from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. EST, followed by coverage on USA Network from 6:00 to 10:30 p.m. EST. Live flag-to-flag coverage of the 10-hour endurance race can be seen on Peacock. To keep up with all the racing action, follow Lexus Racing on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok by using #LexusPerformance. 

Vasser Sullivan Driver Quotes   

How are you feeling heading to Petit Le Mans this weekend?

 

“This season has flown by, and I can't believe we are back at Petit Le Mans once again! It goes without saying, but this event is a highlight on the IMSA schedule and one of the events every driver wants to win at some point during their career. Our Vasser Sullivan Lexus team has won it before in 2022, and we know what it takes to get the job done -- perfect execution, teamwork and a great car at the end of the race. We’ll be doing everything we can to end the season strong and claim another big win for the Lexus RC F GT3.”

 

BEN BARNICOAT, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3   

What excitement does this race bring for you and the team?

 

“I can't believe the final race of the season is upon us already! It's been a trying season for our Vasser Sullivan Lexus Racing team, but we're ready to go out on a high. Petit Le Mans is my favorite race on the calendar. I love the track and the amazing atmosphere that builds within Road Atlanta for an epic 10-hour race. We’ve won Petit Le Mans before and we always have a fantastic race car here thanks to our great engineering crew and mechanics. I know we have everything we need to go and do it again!”

 

KYLE KIRKWOOD, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3   

How does it feel to be back behind the wheel of the No. 14 RC F GT3?

 

“It’ll be nice to be back in the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 alongside Jack (Hawksworth) and Ben (Barnicoat) once again. It’s crazy to think the last time I competed with the team was back in March where we went on to win the Sebring 12-hour race, the first time the team has won there. Road Atlanta has been really good to our team in the past. We always give ourselves a good shot at winning this event and I think we can expect the same for this year.”

 

What are your emotions heading into this weekend?

 

“Can’t believe we are coming to the last race of the season here at Road Atlanta. This season has been full of ups and downs, but we plan on ending the season strong for the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus team. Road Atlanta and the Petit Le Mans is one of the best events we race all year. It’s a track that suits the Lexus RC F GT3 well and is one of my all-time favorites. Looking forward to getting out there!”

 

What’s it like being back at Road Atlanta?

 

"Petit Le Mans is special and winning this race at Road Atlanta is something every driver wants on their resume. The old school circuit, the challenges of an endurance contest and the rise of competition for the IMSA season finale make this race truly unique. The No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 has shown great pace all season. Frankie (Montecalvo) and I have taken pole three times this season, and on multiple occasions, even been at the front in the final laps on race day. Unfortunately, luck hasn’t been on our side when it comes to finding the podium. From top-to-bottom, everyone on this squad has worked hard and never let up. I’d love to see this Vasser Sullivan team rewarded for their efforts. There’s no better way to do that than with a huge performance at Petit. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got!”

 

What are your thoughts going into the Petit Le Mans?

 

“It’s already Petit Le Mans week! It’s hard to believe as this season has flown by. It’s been a crazy year for the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus team, but I know we’re all ready to leave it all on the track at Road Atlanta. It’s my personal favorite endurance race on the calendar. The fans are awesome, the track is amazing, and it always delivers the action!”

 

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 23 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.