CONCORD, N.C. – Vasser Sullivan announced today that the team will enter two Lexus RC F GT3 entries for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in the Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) class, set for April 11-12. The 100-minute IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship sprint race on the streets of Long Beach, California, features only one GT class, with Vasser Sullivan entering the following driver line up:
Coming off a second-place result at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Jack Hawksworth and Parker Thompson will pilot the SealMaster liveried No. 12 Vasser Sullivan RC F GT3. Last year, Thompson captured the pole position and went on to win the Grand Prix of Long Beach alongside co-driver Ben Barnicoat. Hawksworth has also previously earned a pole position and win at Long Beach, earning victory from the front of the Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) field in 2023 with Barnicoat.
Aaron Telitz and Frankie Montecalvo will team up in the SealMaster liveried No. 89 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3. The duo has competed together at Long Beach in 2022 and 2023, both resulting in third-place finishes. The No. 89 entry will return to competition after a victory with Barnicoat and Thompson at the iconic circuit last year.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be broadcast live on USA Network and Peacock starting at 5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 12.
Quotes:
Vasser Sullivan Racing Team Principals Jimmy Vasser and James ‘Sulli’ Sullivan:
“We return to the streets as back-to-back winners with a target on our backs, and we embrace it. Jack and Parker, along with Aaron and Frankie, are the right team to help us chase a three-peat at Long Beach.”
Jeff Bal, Senior Manager – Motorsports, Lexus Division:
“Both of the Vasser Sullivan Lexus entries know their way around the streets of Long Beach with really strong results there recently. We’re looking forward to having two cars competing next weekend and we’re expecting both to find their way to the podium on Saturday afternoon. It would be great to capture another win in Long Beach with the Lexus RC F GT3.”
Notes:
Hawksworth has been with the Lexus GT3 program since its inception and is contesting in his seventh season with Vasser Sullivan. He has scored 11 wins with the team and has a total of 12 career IMSA victories. Hawksworth has captured seven pole positions with Vasser Sullivan, 11 with Lexus and 13 overall career poles in IMSA. He and Barnicoat won the Grand Prix of Long Beach in 2023.
Defending race winner Thompson is in his third season with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus, with this being his second season as a full-time driver after competing in the 2023 endurance races. In addition to the 2024, Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Canadian also scored a victory at Watkins Glen in 2023. Last season, he captured three poles, at the season opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, Long Beach and Watkins Glen.
Telitz is competing in his seventh IMSA season, all with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus. He teamed with Hawksworth to win the 2020 GTD Sprint Cup driver, team and manufacturer championships. He has earned five wins and five poles in IMSA.
Montecalvo is also contesting in his seventh season with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus. He has scored two victories, the first in 2020 at Road America and the second at Watkins Glen in 2023. He has earned five poles with the team.