Lexus RC F GT3 Back On the Podium at Mid-Ohio
First Sprint of the Season
The IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship started with two iconic endurance races at Daytona and Sebring. Now, the circuit has moved to Mid-Ohio, a place where the Vasser Sullivan Lexus Motorsports team have had a lot of success.
It is also the first “sprint” race of the season, which works to Lexus’ advantage as the reigning champion of the shorter races.
During qualifying, Aaron Telitz grabbed the GTD class pole in the number 14 RC F GT3. That gave the Vasser Sullivan team a lot of confidence going into Sunday’s race.
However, it would be Frank Montecalvo and Zach Veach in the number 12 car that would carry the day for Lexus Racing USA. They reached second place in class and stood on the podium at the end of the Mid-Ohio sprint.
It would end up being a tough day for Telitz and Jack Hawksworth at the end of the two hours, 40 minutes race. Even with Hawksworth running the fastest lap in the class that day – a team record of 1:21.361 – the number 14 RC F GT3 suffered a mechanical problem with smoke pouring from the car with 90 minutes left in the race. Lengthy repairs cost the number 14 car a last place finish.
Veach had the third-fastest lap in the race at 1:21.507. That time was faster than last year’s top lap, when the Vasser Sullivan RC F GT3 won the same race. In all, it was good to see a Lexus on the class podium again – for the first time in this young 2021 season.
Next stop for the Vasser Sullivan Lexus Motorsports team will be in the Motor City on Belle Isle as IMSA returns to Detroit for the one hour, 40 minute race. You can catch the race on NBC Sports Network, Saturday June 12 at 2:00 PM PT.
You can follow all of the racing action by connecting with Lexus Racing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and using #LexusRCF GT3, #LexusPerformance and #LexusRacing hashtags.
If you want to fulfill your racing fantasy, check out our inventory of RC Fs at Lexus of Las Vegas. Contact us to see if you’re ready to race – or cruise – in one.