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Lexus has announced its departure from 3GT Racing as it prepares for the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship season, confirming a new partnership with AIM Vasser Sullivan.
The collaboration between the Japanese automaker and the Michigan-based 3GT began with plans for participating in the IMSA competition in 2016, although the launch was delayed by a year. The team entered two Lexus RC F GT3 cars in 2017, gradually finding success, which culminated in a strong performance during the 2018 season. Ex-IndyCar driver Jack Hawksworth achieved three pole positions in the No. 15 vehicle, while teammates Dominik Baumann and Kyle Marcelli secured wins at Mid-Ohio and Virginia International Raceway in the No. 14 car.
Throughout its tenure, 3GT Racing encountered challenges, notably a legal dispute involving team owner Paul Gentilozzi and former IndyCar driver Ryan Hunter-Reay. This prolonged conflict concluded in Hunter-Reay’s favor, raising concerns for Lexus as it became associated with the controversy.
“Paul Gentilozzi and the 3GT Racing team were essential in helping Lexus develop the RC F GT3,” stated Cooper Ericksen, Lexus marketing vice president. “We appreciate our partnership and the progress we’ve made together as Lexus returned to competitive racing. We wish them success in their future pursuits.”
Lexus’ new partnership with AIM Vasser Sullivan is an innovative collaboration headed by championship-winning team owners Jimmy Vasser and James Sullivan. Alongside AIM Autosport, a prominent player in sportscar racing, they plan to field two RC F GT3 cars in the IMSA GT Daytona category.
“We’re excited to campaign two powerful Lexus RC F GT3 cars in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship alongside Jimmy and Sulli,” remarked Andrew Bordin, co-owner of AIM Vasser Sullivan. “To strive for victories and championships in such a competitive class requires excellence across all facets of racing, and we now have the ideal components in place.”
David Christ, group vice president and general manager of the Lexus division, commented: “We see AIM Vasser Sullivan as an excellent match for our organization as we advance our racing program. The Lexus F brand embodies motorsport technology, and the RC F GT3’s high-performance capabilities on the track have established Lexus as more than just a luxury vehicle manufacturer.”
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