Lexus Vasser Sullivan Concludes 2026 Season at Petit Le Mans

Vasser Sullivan Racing concluded its 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season with 10th and 11th place finishes for its Lexus RC F GT3 cars at the Petit Le Mans endurance race on October 5, 2026. The No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 secured a top-ten result in the GTD category, contributing to a season that saw Lexus and Vasser Sullivan achieve three wins, four podiums, and three pole positions.

Petit Le Mans Race Highlights

The 10-hour endurance event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta saw both Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 entries face significant challenges. The No. 14 car, driven by Jack Hawksworth, Ben Barnicoat, and Kyle Kirkwood, demonstrated strong pace, leading 126 laps of the 2.54-mile circuit. Despite strategic gambles and technical issues, the team managed to secure a 10th-place finish.

Meanwhile, the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3, piloted by Aaron Telitz, Benjamin Pedersen, and Frankie Montecalvo, started strong but encountered an incident that required extensive repairs. The team's resilience allowed them to recover several positions by the race's end.

No. 14 Team's Strategic Battle

The No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 started the race in 12th position, with Hawksworth quickly moving the car into the top 10. Barnicoat then advanced the car to the front of the field during his stint, with the team controlling the majority of the race. However, a late-race fuel strategy decision necessitated a pit stop while running in the top five, ultimately dropping them to 10th place.

The drivers also contended with a malfunctioning cool shirt system, adding to the physical demands of the long endurance event. Despite these hurdles, the team's aggressive strategy kept the Lexus RC F GT3 Petit Le Mans entry in contention throughout the race.

No. 12 Team Overcomes Adversity

The No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 began the race in third place, maintaining a position within the top five during Aaron Telitz's initial stint. However, during Frankie Montecalvo's time behind the wheel, contact with an LMP2 competitor forced the car into the pits for significant repairs. This incident dropped the No. 12 car to 16th place, 12 laps behind the leaders.

Despite the setback, the driver trio and the Vasser Sullivan crew demonstrated determination, recovering four positions over the remaining seven hours of the race to finish 11th in the GTD class. The team's ability to regain ground after a major incident highlighted their persistent effort at the Lexus RC F GT3 Petit Le Mans event.

This conclusion to the 2026 season marks a period of notable achievement for Lexus and Vasser Sullivan Racing, with the team accumulating three wins, four podiums, and three pole positions over the course of the year. The Lexus RC F GT3 Petit Le Mans race served as a final testament to their competitive spirit and strategic execution.