Vasser Sullivan Racing Announces 2026 IMSA Driver Lineup
Vasser Sullivan Racing has finalized its driver roster for the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, featuring the return of 2023 GTD PRO champions Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat as the full-time drivers for the #14 Lexus RC F GT3.
Both Hawksworth and Barnicoat, who previously drove together to secure the GTD PRO title, will form a formidable partnership once again. Barnicoat, who faced a challenging 2023 season marred by injuries, expressed gratitude for the team’s support, stating, “I can’t wait to repay everyone that stuck by me by fighting to get another IMSA championship for the team.”
Kyle Kirkwood, a competitor in the IndyCar Series, will complement their efforts at selected Michelin Endurance Cup races. Last season, Barnicoat achieved a best finish of fifth at Indianapolis, while Hawksworth, moving from the #12 GTD entry, finished fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, contributing to five podiums and three pole positions alongside Parker Thompson.
Hawksworth highlighted the strength of the team, saying, “We’re coming into the 2026 IMSA season in a stronger position as a race team… determined to bring championship performance and execution to the track next season.”
The #12 Lexus will see new full-time driver Benjamin Pedersen joining Aaron Telitz, who is transitioning from the #14 car. Pedersen made his IMSA debut last season with PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports in LMP2, where he secured a third-place finish at the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Frankie Montecalvo will again serve as a third driver for the Michelin Endurance Cup races. Notably, Toyota-supported driver Esteban Masson, reigning European Le Mans Series LMP2 champion, will make his IMSA debut at Daytona.
The upcoming season marks the final year for the Lexus RC F GT3, as the team gears up for the eventual launch of the Toyota GR GT3 in 2027. To date, Vasser Sullivan Racing has amassed 15 wins, 49 podiums, and the coveted 2023 IMSA GTD PRO title.
Jeff Bal, Director of Motorsport for Lexus Racing, emphasized the team’s ambition: “There would be no better way to begin our championship push than capturing victory at the season-opening Rolex 24, a win we’ve been chasing for a long time.”
As the 2026 season approaches, Vasser Sullivan Racing continues to showcase its commitment to excellence and the pursuit of further championship success.
