
Farewell Push: The Final Campaign of IMSA's Longest-Serving Lexus RC F GT3
The Lexus RC F GT3 enters its final IMSA season after eight years of competition, with drivers and team determined to give this veteran race car a memorable farewell. Having claimed victories at major endurance races like Sebring and Petit Le Mans, plus the 2023 GTD PRO championship, the RC F has proven its worth against newer competitors.

Yellow Corvette race car
Last year's Sebring victory stands as a testament to the car's capabilities, with Ben Barnicoat, Jack Hawksworth, and Kyle Kirkwood securing a dramatic 0.121-second win after 12 hours of racing. The team overcame an early drive-through penalty thanks to perfect strategy from engineer Geoff Fickling.
Despite being one of the oldest cars on the grid, the RC F's longevity has become an advantage. The Vasser Sullivan team's intimate knowledge of the vehicle's characteristics allows them to maximize its potential, even against newer machinery. As Jack Hawksworth notes, "Even if you don't have the pace, if you do everything else correctly, you're going to get something out of the race."
For 2025, the team has restructured its driver lineup, with Barnicoat leading the No. 14 GTD PRO car alongside Kirkwood and Aaron Telitz, while Hawksworth moves to the No. 12 GTD entry with Parker Thompson. Recent testing at Sebring shows promising pace, with Telitz topping the GTD PRO class times.
With a new Toyota/Lexus GT3 car expected in 2026, the team remains focused on adding more victories to the RC F's impressive legacy. The upcoming Twelve Hours of Sebring presents another opportunity to showcase the car's endurance racing prowess and the team's exceptional execution abilities.
The RC F's journey demonstrates how continuous development and team expertise can keep an aging platform competitive. As the finish line approaches for this veteran race car, both drivers and team are determined to end its career on the highest possible note, targeting more endurance victories and championship success in its final season.