Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Battle Through Rolex 24 at Daytona

The 63rd running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona proved to be a rollercoaster of challenges and perseverance for the Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 teams. Despite setbacks, both entries showcased resilience in the grueling 24-hour endurance race, marking the start of the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 took the green flag on Saturday afternoon from the 15th position in the GTD PRO class, with Florida native Kyle Kirkwood behind the wheel. Kirkwood, pulling double duty across both Lexus entries, completed the opening three stints before handing off to Aaron Telitz. Telitz skillfully moved the No. 14 into the top 10, while teammates Townsend Bell and Lexus factory driver Ben Barnicoat held steady during their respective runs.

However, as night descended on Daytona, technical issues emerged. Around 12:30 a.m. ET, Telitz made contact with a competitor, sustaining damage to the left front and forcing the car into the garage. Thanks to the swift work of the Vasser Sullivan crew, the No. 14 returned to the track in just 30 minutes, determined to push forward. Kirkwood, Telitz, Bell, and Barnicoat maintained focus throughout the night and into Sunday, ultimately securing an 11th-place finish in the GTD PRO class.

The No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3, which had qualified an impressive fourth in the GTD class with Parker Thompson at the helm, showed early promise. Thompson ran solidly in the top 10 before handing the car to Frankie Montecalvo, who continued to keep the Lexus in contention. As nightfall approached, Lexus factory driver Jack Hawksworth took over, charging through the field to reach as high as third place.

Kirkwood then switched to the No. 12 for the late-night stints, keeping the team competitive. Unfortunately, like its GTD PRO counterpart, the No. 12 encountered mechanical difficulties that required an extended pit stop, dropping them several laps down. The team pressed on, determined to regain lost ground. However, with just over four hours remaining, an engine issue forced the No. 12 to retire, resulting in a 15th-place finish in the GTD class.

With the Rolex 24 in the books, the Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 teams now turn their focus to the next endurance challenge: the 12 Hours of Sebring on Saturday, March 15. The team aims to defend its GTD PRO class victory from last season, when Hawksworth, Barnicoat, and Kirkwood secured a thrilling win.