2026 Lexus RC F GT3 Secures Victory at Watkins Glen

On June 29, 2026, the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3, piloted by Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat for Vasser Sullivan, secured a victory in the GTD PRO class at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship event at Watkins Glen. The duo led 83 laps during the six-hour endurance race, marking a significant Lexus RC F GT3 win for the team.

GTD PRO Victory Details

Hawksworth started from pole position, his 16th career top starting spot in the Lexus RC F GT3 and 17th overall IMSA pole, setting a new modern era record. He maintained the lead through the initial stint before a full course caution led to a pit stop, rejoining in third. Barnicoat took over during another well-timed pit sequence, cycling the No. 14 Lexus back to second.

Barnicoat quickly took the lead after the restart and held it until handing the car back to Hawksworth for the final segments of the race. Hawksworth, returning to the track in fourth, swiftly navigated through competitors to reclaim the lead on lap 135. The No. 14 Lexus made its final pit stop with 54 minutes remaining, with Hawksworth driving to the finish line first in class.

This Lexus RC F GT3 win is the 19th for the Lexus RC F GT3 in IMSA competition and the 17th for the Vasser Sullivan team. It represents the first victory of the 2026 season for the No. 14 Lexus, following a win by the No. 12 car at Long Beach in April.

GTD Class Performance

In the GTD class, the No. 12 Lexus, driven by Frankie Montecalvo, Benjamin Pedersen, and Aaron Telitz, finished fourth. Montecalvo began the race in third and consistently ran within the top five during his double stint. Pedersen then took control, maintaining a top-three position for much of his time before a pit stop under caution affected their running order.

With just over two hours left, Pedersen handed the car to Telitz. Telitz advanced to fourth place but incurred a drive-through penalty for contact with a lapped competitor. Despite this setback, he worked his way back towards the front. The No. 12 Lexus required a late splash-and-go fuel stop with under 10 minutes remaining, ultimately securing fourth place in the GTD class.

Upcoming Race

Lexus and Vasser Sullivan are scheduled to compete next in a sprint race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Sunday, July 12. This event will be their next opportunity to build on the momentum gained from the Watkins Glen results.

The strong performance at Watkins Glen, highlighted by the GTD PRO victory and a top-five finish in GTD, underscores the competitive presence of the Lexus RC F GT3 in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Fans and prospective owners can follow the team's progress as they continue their 2026 season, aiming for another Lexus RC F GT3 win.