Lexus RC F GT3 Shows Strong Pace at Laguna Seca IMSA Race Weekend

Lexus racing teams continued to showcase strong performance and determination at the latest round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Laguna Seca, where both Vasser Sullivan entries fought through a competitive field in GTD PRO and GTD competition.

In the GTD class, the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 driven by Benjamin Pedersen and Aaron Telitz delivered a resilient drive to secure a sixth-place finish. Pedersen opened the race from fifth on the grid and held position through his opening stint before handing driving duties over to Telitz. Despite setbacks following pit lane penalties, Telitz mounted an impressive recovery drive, climbing back through the field to bring the No. 12 Lexus home inside the top ten.

In GTD PRO action, the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 pairing of Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat demonstrated front-running pace throughout the weekend. Hawksworth made history in qualifying by earning his 16th career IMSA pole position, tying the all-time record, and led the field to green on race day.

The No. 14 Lexus ran at the front for much of the event, with Hawksworth leading 40 laps before cycling back into contention during his second stint. Barnicoat then took over and continued the charge, running near the front of the field. However, late-race tire degradation and a final fuel stop with under seven minutes remaining ultimately dropped the team to a ninth-place finish in GTD PRO.

Despite the challenging result, both teams showed strong speed and competitiveness throughout the weekend, reinforcing the Lexus RC F GT3’s ability to run at the front of the field in one of the most competitive sports car racing series in the world.

Looking ahead, Lexus and Vasser Sullivan will return to IMSA action for a 100-minute street race in Detroit on May 30, where they will look to convert pace into podium results.

At Lexus of Northborough, we celebrate the performance, precision, and passion behind Lexus motorsports, where innovation on the track continues to inspire every vehicle on the road.