Story and image from Lexus
Braselton, Georgia, October 14, 2024 – The Vasser Sullivan No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 finished third in Saturday’s Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta with drivers Parker Thompson, Frankie Montecalvo and Aaron Telitz. The driver trio drove from the back of the GTD class to a podium result in the 10-hour season finale. Jack Hawksworth, Ben Barnicoatand Kyle Kirkwood ran strong early in the race in the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3, however an engine issue ended their day early and they finished 13th in the GTD PRO class.
The No. 12 Lexus started in the 18th position in the GTD class after a penalty in qualifying sent them to the back of grid for the start of the 10-hour endurance race. Thompson started the race and worked his way up to 11th-place during his stint. Montecalvo jumped in the Lexus for three stints and ran at the front of the GTD field for 33 laps. Telitz and Thompson closed out the second half the race, battling for their podium position before finishing third with the No. 12 RC F GT3 leading 68 total laps by the race’s end.
The No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3, driven by Hawksworth, Barnicoat and Kirkwood, went off strategy early in the race to make up a number of positions on track. Hawksworth completed the first stint before Kirkwood took over driving duties nearly 30 minutes into the race. He led 28 laps during his two stints before Barnicoat jumped behind the wheel of the No. 14 Lexus. An engine issue shortly after the driver change ended the No. 14 team’s day early and they went on to finish 13th in class.
The Vasser Sullivan Lexus team ends the season with two wins, four podium results and five pole positions. Parker Thompson led the GTD class with three poles this season.