Vasser Sullivan Secures GTD Podium at Sebring 12 Hours 2025

Vasser Sullivan’s No.12 Lexus RC F GT3 finished second in GTD at the 2025 Sebring 12 Hours after leading 77 laps. Read the full race report and driver reactions.

The iconic Sebring International Raceway in Florida hosted one of the toughest endurance races of the season — the 12 Hours of Sebring. For Vasser Sullivan, the event turned into a true test of skill, determination, and teamwork.

The No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3, driven by Jack Hawksworth, Parker Thompson, and Frankie Montecalvo, fought fiercely for the GTD class victory. The trio led a total of 77 laps and stayed in contention until the very end. Thompson made several strong passes to move the Lexus into the lead before handing it over to Hawksworth for the final two hours.

Hawksworth quickly returned to the front of the field, leading for 18 laps. In the closing minutes, contact from a competitor disrupted their momentum, and the team ultimately secured a second-place finish — a bittersweet result given how close they came to victory. Still, the podium was a significant achievement, bringing crucial championship points and a surge of momentum.

The GTD class win went to Winward Racing’s No. 57 Mercedes-AMG GT3, with Philip Ellis making a decisive late-race move to overtake Hawksworth and clinch the victory.

It was a tougher outing for Vasser Sullivan’s No. 14 Lexus, which competed in the GTD PRO category. Early in the race, contact damaged the steering rack, forcing the car into the garage for repairs. The crew worked swiftly, and the car returned to the track for several more hours. Later in the race, another competitor made contact while Kyle Kirkwood was behind the wheel, forcing the No. 14 Lexus to retire with just under two hours remaining. The car was classified 11th.

Sebring’s demanding conditions added to the challenge — temperatures soared to 86°F (30°C), testing both man and machine across the 3.74-mile, 17-turn course.

Jose Maria Lopez stepped in for the injured Ben Barnicoat, who missed the race due to a mountain biking accident. Despite the last-minute change, Lopez adapted quickly and delivered solid stints before the incidents took the car out of contention.

Vasser Sullivan now turns its focus to the next round — the Long Beach Grand Prix on April 12, which marks the start of the sprint season. With this performance, the team is well-positioned to challenge for championship honors.

Source: lexus.com