2021 IS350 F Sport Paces Daytona Effort by Lexus
Lexus had its hands all over the recent IMSA season opener at Daytona.
Official Safety Vehicle
The season-opening IMSA race at Daytona International Speedway just wrapped up, and it was a big one for Lexus in more ways than one. For starters, the new 2021 IS350 F Sport served as the official safety car for the IMSA Prototype Challenge field, as well as the remaining races at Daytona including the legendary Rolex 24.
Photos: Lexus
Taking Advantage
Meanwhile, Vasser Sullivan Racing and its pair of Lexus RC F GT3 racers led the Rolex 24 GTD class for a combined 101 laps before suffering some issues late in the night that forced both teams to retire. Frankie Montecalvo started in 10th place in the No. 12 Bayshore Recycling Lexus RC F GT3 and passed nearly the entire GTD field on the opening lap after an incident caused some of his competitors to slow up.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about Lexus at IMSA this season right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Taking the Lead
Montecalvo went on to lead 27 laps in his first stint before the team had to fix a transponder issue during his first pit stop costing the team a handful of laps. Aaron Telitz took the lead shortly after and the No. 14 Rice Lake Weighing Systems Lexus RC F GT3 led 74 laps with him and his teammates running among the leaders during the first half of the race.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about Lexus at IMSA this season right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Multiple Incidents
Zach Veach, Frankie Montecalvo, Townsend Bell, and Robert Megennis all split time behind the wheel of the No. 12 RC F GT3 and went on to finish 13th after damage resulting from a few incidents on the track forced the Vasser Sullivan entry to the garage throughout the overnight hours.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about Lexus at IMSA this season right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Stay Cool
Meanwhile, The No. 14 Lexus fought a cooling system issue overnight and into Sunday's final hours with Vasser Sullivan Racing drivers Jack Hawksworth, Telitz, Oliver Gavin, and Kyle Kirkwood finishing the race 16th.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about Lexus at IMSA this season right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Redemption Coming?
"It was a long 24 hours for us on the Vasser Sullivan Lexus team," Bell said. "I sit here a bit shocked because we came into this race very well prepared. The pace of the cars was excellent. Frankie (Montecalvo) had an unbelievable start once again. He’s done it twice now – straight to the front at the start of the race and led with confidence. It’s hard to reconcile our performance, our preparation, and our optimism with where we ended up after having a number of issues during the race." Lexus and Vasser Sullivan Racing will try and redeem themselves at the Twelve Hours of Sebring endurance race on Saturday, March 20.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about Lexus at IMSA this season right here in the ClubLexus forum.
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