The Vasser Sullivan team emerged victorious in the GTD class of the IMSA WeatherTech Championship race, thirty years after team co-owner Jimmy Vasser won the IndyCar race on the streets of Long Beach. The victory by a five-second margin of the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 driven by Aaron Telitz and Benjamin Pedersen helped ease the pain of a technical infraction for ride height that had moved the team’s No. 89 entry from the class pole to a last place start in the 17-car field.
The win marks a significant milestone for Lexus, as it was a couple of years since the RC F went back in victory lane. The team's performance demonstrates its capabilities in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship's GTD class and solidifies its position among the top contenders.
Telitz expressed his pride in securing the win, stating that it was a 'big win' for the team. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by the RC F, which had been struggling to find success in recent years.
The victory at Long Beach is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Vasser Sullivan team. Their ability to adapt to technical issues and overcome adversity is a hallmark of their success in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship.
DXDT Racing's drivers Robert Wickens and Mason Filippi had an auspicious start, but ultimately finished sixth after an eventful race.
Wickens' pole position was a remarkable achievement, especially considering that he had not driven in a race since piloting the team’s Z06 GT3.R in August of last year. His experience with improved hand controls built by Bosch played a significant role in his qualifying performance.
The car's handling and Wickens' ability to navigate the track with ease were key factors in securing the pole position. However, the challenge ahead for Wickens was to maintain his lead throughout the race.
Wickens led for his entire stint before pitting at the 36-minute mark of the 100-minute race, but a series of events ultimately led to him losing the top spot.
The victory by Lexus in the GTD class highlights the importance of teamwork and strategy in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship. The team's ability to overcome technical issues and adapt to changing circumstances is a key factor in their success.
Despite Wickens' impressive performance, the win ultimately went to the Lexus RC F GT3 driven by Aaron Telitz and Benjamin Pedersen. Their victory demonstrates the competitiveness of the IMSA WeatherTech Championship's GTD class and sets the stage for future events.
The victory by a five-second margin of the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 driven by Aaron Telitz and Benjamin Pedersen highlights the competitiveness in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship's GTD class.
