- Details
- Category: Road Racing
By: Vasser Sullivan
May 12, 2024
May 12, 2024
Salinas, California – In the return of the GTD PRO class this weekend at the Course De Monterey at Laguna Seca, Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat finished fourth-place in the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 on Sunday. The No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 with Parker Thompson and Frankie Montecalvo finished ninth in the GTD class.
Hawksworth started from the fourth position on the GTD PRO grid Sunday afternoon, holding steady during the race’s first two stints. With an hour remaining in the sprint race, Hawksworth handed the No. 14 over to Barnicoat to finish the race. The Brit cycled out in fifth position from the stop, but methodically chased down and overtook the No. 3 car with 10 minutes remaining to claim the fourth position at the finish. The No. 14 Vasser Sullivan team sits second in the GTD PRO driver’s standings with today’s result.
The No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 team ended Sunday’s race at Laguna Seca in the ninth position of the GTD class after beginning the day fifth. Montecalvo started in the No. 12, running between fourth and seventh position during the early portions of the race. After an early-race caution, Montecalvo cycled to the front of the GTD field and led seven laps during the first pit stop cycle. Thompson jumped into the No. 12 RC F GT3 with an hour and 21 minutes remaining, running as high as second during pit stop cycles. However, the team needed one more caution to make their strategy work, which did not occur and they earned a ninth-place finish.
The Vasser Sullivan Lexus team returns to action in a sprint race at Detroit Grand Prix on Saturday, June 1. To keep up with all the racing action, follow Lexus Racing on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok by using #LexusPerformance.
Vasser Sullivan Driver Quotes
JACK HAWKSWORTH, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3
How was the race today for the No. 14 team?
“Just a really solid day and solid weekend. We tested here a few weeks ago, knowing this place (Laguna Seca) is always tough for us. After the test, the engineers and mechanics all came up with some really good ideas to come back with and we made the Lexus RC F GT3 competitive. We had a really strong effort in qualifying yesterday to put us fourth on the grid and then in the race this afternoon, we were in the fight, just didn’t have the pace to battle for the podium. We hung in there all day and think we finished higher than what we showed pace-wise, which is all you can do. P4 on the day, happy with that, good set of points and now we head to Detroit, Watkins Glen and Mosport, which are places that have been really good to us. Our Vasser Sullivan team will focus and get our heads down.”
BEN BARNICOAT, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3
Coming home in fourth position, what was your race like?
“Today was just one of those days where early on, I think we realized we didn’t have the pace to win the race, so then you look towards strategy, right? What can we do? What can’t we do? I think everyone here at Vasser Sullivan and Lexus optimized what we had today. From a strategy point-of-view, the overcut looked quite powerful in the first pit stop, which helped us move forward a bit into second, but we dropped back to fourth as we didn’t quite have the pace to hang on. And then, we tried another overcut at the end in the last pit stop cycle, and we were undercut by a competitor and came out in fifth. But, I was able to get back forward at the end there past the No. 3. It was a tough race, obviously gave it everything we had. I think we have to see a fourth-place finish as almost like an internal win. That was the best we had, and on days when you’re not quite quick enough, you just have to do your best. Proud of everyone here for doing that. Jack (Hawksworth) had a great run and kept the car clean and in one piece, as I did in my run. Great to come out of this race second in the driver’s standings. Looking forward to Detroit.”
PARKER THOMPSON, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
How would you describe your race once getting in the car?
“Today is a perfect day to describe sprint, endurance racing. We were in a perfect position, had a really fast Lexus RC F GT3, but unfortunately, a yellow came out 30 seconds before we needed it to, and that means we missed getting into the pits on schedule. It basically put us a lap down on the road. Apart from that, the No. 12 team did an awesome job with a great strategy to put us in contention to compete for a win. But we didn’t get another yellow like we needed, which meant I was saving (fuel) and battling for a position lower than we had hoped. But we live to fight another day. We’re all hungry. I know it sounds like a broken record, but this No. 12 crew deserves more, and we’re locked in for the upcoming rounds. I think we’re going to get a win.”
FRANKIE MONTECALVO, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
Can you take us through your day and how those cautions affected strategy?
“I think we had a good car and something to battle with at the end there. All in all, the Vasser Sullivan team did a great job. We just kind of got held out by a yellow, which was just in the worst time, and then we didn’t get the yellow we needed. So, a top-10 finish in this one and onto the next.”
About Lexus
The Lexus RC F GT3 enters its eighth season in the GTD class, and third year in the GTD PRO category, competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Over the last six seasons, Lexus and Vasser Sullivan have combined to earn 15 wins, 41 podium finishes and 21 pole positions with the RC F GT3. Lexus won its first full-season IMSA GTD PRO Manufacturers Championship on the strength of two wins and podium positions in nine of 11 races in 2023.
Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With eight models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.
Canadian In BOLD
- Details
- Category: Road Racing
By: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
May 9, 2024
May 9, 2024
Indianapolis, Indiana – Maeta, a Roc Nation artist who recently peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and an Indianapolis native, will perform the national anthem before the start of the Sonsio Grand Prix on Saturday, May 11 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“The singing of the national anthem before the start of a race is always an emotional and moving moment,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Having an Indianapolis native, whose career is just taking off, ensures this performance will be memorable for all involved. Maeta’s rendition is sure to set the stage for an epic race on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course.”
Maeta has been described as a tour de force, and her EP “When I Hear Your Name” showcases collaborations with some of the greatest artists in the industry and illustrates her appeal as your favorite artist’s favorite artist. KAYTRANADA, Kehlani, Demi Lovato, Ty Dolla $ign and Lucky Daye are just a few of the artists featured on the EP.
Represented by powerhouse management agencies MBK Entertainment, Inc and JDH & Company, led by industry icons Jeff Robinson, Jeanine McLean and Jason Hobdy, Maeta has had an exciting year. She closed out 2023 touring across North America, the United Kingdom and Europe and released “When I Hear Your Name (Live).” She also stunned audiences with a captivating performance of “Through The Night” at the Soul Train Awards.
Most recently, Chris Brown announced that Maeta will join him on all tour dates of his 11:11 Tour, kicking off June 5 in Detroit. The tour also features special guests Arya Starr and Muni Long.
NBC’s live coverage of the Sonsio Grand Prix starts at 3 p.m. (ET) Saturday, May 11.
Visit ims.com to purchase tickets for the Sonsio Grand Prix on Saturday, May 11 and for more information on the complete Month of May schedule at IMS.
- Details
- Category: Road Racing
By: FEL Motorsports
May 9, 2024
May 9, 2024
St Catharines, Ontario – FEL Motorsports is driving change in Canadian motorsport with the launch of its groundbreaking ‘Accelerating Inclusion’ program. Teaming up with industry leaders like the Mosport Karting Centre, Michelin Motorsport, Hyundai Canada, and Pfaff Motorsports, FEL Motorsports is leading the charge towards a more diverse and inclusive racing community.
Despite Canada's rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds, diversity in motorsport has remained a challenge. FEL Motorsports is on a mission to change that narrative.
A standout talent from the Mosport Karting Centre, Khloe Drummond, will headline the program, transitioning from karts to cars. Khloe will take the wheel of the FEL Motorsports-owned Hyundai Veloster N Turbo TCA car, in the highly anticipated 2024 Sports Car Championship Canada presented by Michelin.
Behind the scenes, the expertise of Mathieu Deschamps from MD Autosport, also a key team member at Pfaff Motorsports, will ensure the smooth running of the TCA car. The car will find its home and operations hub at Pfaff Motorsports in Concord, Ontario.
Khloe's remarkable karting track record includes clinching the 2023 Mosport International Karting Association (MIKA) Briggs Senior Championship as well as the MIKA ROK Senior Championship, marking her a two-time champion in a single season. Khloe shared her feelings on making the transition saying, “I am honored to have the opportunity to make the transition into car racing with FEL Motorsports in 2024. I am especially looking forward to driving the Hyundai Veloster N Turbo TCA, an automotive brand whose passion for motorsport matches my own,” said Drummond. She continued to proclaim, “I am determined to perform to the best of my abilities and excited to see what the season has in store!"
“Diversity and inclusion are massively important to us at FEL Motorsports and FEL,” said FEL President Chris Bye. “From Jessica Benevides, FEL Motorsport Manager on down, diversity is and always will be a large part of who we are at FEL. To be able to take this to the next level and get Khloe in our TCA car is truly rewarding for not only myself, but everyone involved. Welcoming Khloe into our TCA car is a milestone achievement, made possible by the support of Mosport Karting Centre, Pfaff Motorsports, Michelin Motorsport, and Hyundai Canada. We are immensely grateful to them for helping us turn this vision into reality.”
About FEL Motorsports
FEL Motorsports grew out of a deep base of automotive roots from FEL Automotive Learning and Promotion. FEL, the parent company of FEL Motorsports, has over three decades of experience in the automotive event industry working within Canada and the U.S by combining the expertise gained from working with luxury automotive brands with some of Canada’s most experienced motorsport personnel, FEL Motorsports executes premium race event weekends at tracks in Ontario and Quebec. FEL Motorsports is focused on growth and sustainability in the Canadian Motorsports landscape by giving back to its teams through prizing and prize money.
For further information on FEL Motorsports visit felmotorsports.com and shop merchandise at felmotorsports.shop and watch the races on the FEL Motorsports YouTube.
- Details
- Category: Road Racing
By: FEL Motorsports
May 9, 2024
May 9, 2024
Toronto, Ontario - At just 15 years old, Anthony Martella is set to make history as the youngest driver to ever compete in the Sports Car Championship Canada presented by Michelin. Martella, already an accomplished Canadian Karting Champion in the Pro Shifter class, has been turning heads with his exceptional talent and promising performances on the track.
Martella, who is currently racing in the USFJunior and USF 2000 series with Exclusive Autosports, has been making waves in the motorsport world with his skill and determination. His recent successes include two podium finishes in the BEMC G1 series, where he secured impressive first and second-place finishes.
“I’m excited to announce that I will be running in the 2024 SCCC presented by Michelin with Martella Motorsports in the Audi RS3 LMS TCR Gen2,” said Anthony Martella. “Can’t wait to get on track at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for the first round on May 17-19. I’d like to thank my parents, NIN Transport, VPS Services, Arsenal Construction, and STC Canada for your continued support.”
With his sights set on climbing to the top step of the podium in the TCR class, Martella is ready to take on the challenge and showcase his talent on the national stage. He will be participating in the first-ever FEL Motorsports CTMP Cup presented by Omologato. This cup is a special championship nested within the larger SCCC season, specifically focusing on the points earned during the four races held at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park that mark the beginning and end of the 2024 SCCC schedule.
For more information on Anthony Martella and his racing journey, visit @anthonymartella_ on Instagram.
About Anthony Martella
Anthony Martella is a 15-year-old racing prodigy hailing from Canada. With a background in karting and a passion for motorsports, Martella is making waves in the racing world with his exceptional talent and promising performances on the track. Currently competing in USF Junior and USF 2000 series with Exclusive Autosports, Martella is set to make his debut in the FEL Series with Martella Motorsports in the Audi LMS TCR Gen2. Follow his journey on social media @anthonymartella__ or @martellamotorsports.
About FEL Motorsports
FEL Motorsports grew out of a deep base of automotive roots from FEL Automotive Learning and Promotion. FEL, the parent company of FEL Motorsports, has over three decades of experience in the automotive event industry working within Canada and the U.S by combining the expertise gained from working with luxury automotive brands with some of Canada’s most experienced motorsport personnel, FEL Motorsports executes premium race event weekends at tracks in Ontario and Quebec. FEL Motorsports is focused on growth and sustainability in the Canadian Motorsports landscape by giving back to its teams through prizing and prize money.
For further information on FEL Motorsports visit felmotorsports.com and shop merchandise at felmotorsports.shop and watch the races on the FEL Motorsports YouTube.
- Details
- Category: Road Racing
By: Vasser-Sullivan Racing
May 8, 2024
May 8, 2024
Salinas, California – Lexus and Vasser Sullivan return to the West Coast for the second sprint race of the 2024 IMSA season in the Course De Monterey at Laguna Seca. The team arrives in California on a roll, capturing wins in the last two IMSA events with the GTD PRO win at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March and a GTD class win at the Grand Prix of Long Beach three weeks ago.
Drivers return to Laguna Seca with a new challenge ahead of them as the circuit experienced a repave after IMSA visited in 2023. The new racing surface provides better tire grip, paving the way for faster lap times and an exciting two hour and 40-minute race ahead.
The GTD PRO class is back in action after not competing at Long Beach, with the return of Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat to the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3. Barnicoat is currently on a two-race win streak, victorious at both Sebring with Hawksworth and endurance teammate Kyle Kirkwood, and at Long Beach in the re-numbered No. 89 GTD class entry with Parker Thompson. That momentous 12-hour race victory by Hawksworth and Barnicoat two months ago catapulted the No. 14 team to third in the GTD PRO driver and team championship standings, while Lexus took over the class manufacturer’ points lead. The Brits look to continue their momentum into Laguna Seca, where they’ve finished runner-up the last two seasons.
Parker Thompson and Frankie Montecalvo reunite in the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 at Laguna Seca this weekend, hoping to overcome early season adversity. Thompson is coming off the win with Barnicoat in Long Beach and seeks to carry that momentum into the weekend as Lexus currently stands third in the GTD class manufacturer’s standings three races into the 2024 season.
The Course De Monterey will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock starting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 12. To keep up with all the racing action, follow Lexus Racing on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok by using #LexusPerformance.
Vasser Sullivan Driver Quotes
JACK HAWKSWORTH, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3
Can you describe your thoughts of the new track surface at Laguna Seca and its impact?
“Laguna Seca has historically been very low grip with a lot of tire degradation. However, the track has been resurfaced and it should offer a lot more grip and have a huge effect on tire degradation. This will make the race a bit of an unknown and will no doubt throw us and everyone else some challenges. Last time out at Sebring, we won, but almost two months with no GTD PRO races marks a complete reset for our Vasser Sullivan team and our first sprint race of the year. We'll try to execute a clean weekend in the Lexus RC F GT3 and put ourselves in the mix."
BEN BARNICOAT, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3
How are you feeling ahead of the Laguna Seca race weekend?
“I’m excited to be back racing in the GTD PRO class and continuing my championship quest there with Jack (Hawksworth). Laguna Seca is another iconic track on the calendar and following the repave of the circuit, I feel it’s going to be a very different race to what we have seen in previous years. Our Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing team are going to have to be on it to get the most from our car now that the track surface is so different, but I have no doubts they will get our No. 14 SealMaster RC F GT3 fighting for victory lane.”
PARKER THOMPSON, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
What’s your outlook heading into Laguna Seca?
“Laguna Seca is my favorite track in the world, so I couldn’t think of a better place to get back with Frankie (Montecalvo) and the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 crew! Everyone on the 12 team deserves a good result after a few tough times so far this year, so I’ll be doing everything I can to help put us on top and end our west coast swing on a high note.”
FRANKIE MONTECALVO, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
Ahead of another sprint race, what’s your mindset for this weekend?
“I’m ready to get back to Laguna Seca. The new surface should make for a much faster lap time and sent our engineers to the drawing board to re-learn the circuit. Parker (Thompson) and I will be ready to fight for a win with our No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 team.”
About Lexus
The Lexus RC F GT3 enters its eighth season in the GTD class, and third year in the GTD PRO category, competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Over the last six seasons, Lexus and Vasser Sullivan have combined to earn 15 wins, 41 podium finishes and 21 pole positions with the RC F GT3. Lexus won its first full-season IMSA GTD PRO Manufacturers Championship on the strength of two wins and podium positions in nine of 11 races in 2023.
Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With eight models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.
Canadians In BOLD