Lexus Scores Top Two Super GT500 Finish in Thailand
With one race to go, Team Lexus is in prime position to take home the 2017 Super GT500 championship.
As the end of the 2017 Super GT500 season looms, Lexus has put itself in a fantastic position to take home the gold. This, after the automaker scored a top two finish in the season’s next-to-last race at Chang International Circuit in Thailand. The win marks Lexus’ fifth of the season and gives the team a significant advantage in the points race.
The #37 KeePer TOM’S LC 500, driven by Ryo Hirakawa and Nick Cassidy, scored the win after securing the pole position for the race. It was their second victory of the season, which gives the team a six point lead in the points race. To bring home the championship, all Hirakawa and Cassidy need to do is secure a first or second place finish in the final round.
The TOM’s team is no stranger to Super GT500 championships, having won three in the past. But a win this season would be their first in eight years, and the first ever for their #37 car. It would also make the 23-year old Hirakawa and Cassidy the youngest drivers ever to win a Super GT500 championship. Finishing behind the TOM’s crew in second place was the #6 WAKO’s 4CR LC 500 car, driven by Kazuya Oshima and Andrea Caldarelli. Coincidentally, the WAKO’s team is also second in the points race.
It all comes to a head on November 11 and 12 as these two Lexus teams battle it out at the Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. No less than five teams, including the #36 TOM’s and #38 ZENT Lexus, are still in the hunt. All of which makes this final round must-see TV. Particularly if you’re a Lexus fan, because chances are, they’re bringing home the gold. One way or another!
