Vasser Sullivan Racing Plans for Final Lexus RC F GT3 IMSA Campaign
In what is expected to be the final season of the Lexus RC F GT3 in IMSA competition, Vasser Sullivan Racing (VSR) has reassembled the successful duo of Ben Barnicoat and Jack Hawksworth for the 2026 season. The pair previously co-driven in the GTD PRO class from 2022 to 2024, achieving notable victories including the Motul Petit Le Mans and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, culminating in the 2023 GTD PRO Drivers’ Championship.
After a brief separation last season, VSR has reinstated Barnicoat and Hawksworth to strengthen their bid to secure a win at the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona. They will be joined by IndyCar Series driver Kyle Kirkwood during the endurance races, enhancing the team’s competitive edge with his extensive experience—this being Kirkwood’s seventh consecutive season in the Michelin Endurance Cup.
Barnicoat expressed enthusiasm about the reuniting of the trio, stating, “This feels like our best man forward for this 24-hour race. Together, we have won Sebring and Petit Le Mans, so we’re excited for the year ahead.” He highlighted the advantage of having Kirkwood onboard, noting his familiarity with the team and car, which eliminates the need for acclimatization.
The upcoming season also features the anticipated launch of Toyota’s new GR GT3, which is set to replace the RC F GT3. This four-liter, twin-turbo V8 machine has been in development with input from Barnicoat, Hawksworth, and VSR, who see it as a significant advancement for the brand. Hawksworth remarked, “The car has a slightly wider working window than the RC F and should be a highly competitive GT3 on all types of circuits.”
Vassser Sullivan aims to increase its footprint in the customer racing market, following a less successful tenure with the RC F GT3. Barnicoat emphasized the importance of developing a driver-friendly vehicle that could support a broader customer racing program, potentially allowing participation in prestigious races globally.
As the team prepares for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Hawksworth noted the importance of this iconic race, stating, “Winning this thing would be so special. We’re going to give it our best shot.”
With a renewed focus and a strong driver lineup, Vasser Sullivan Racing is poised to make the most of its final season with the RC F GT3 while looking toward a promising future with the GR GT3.
