Bell Completes Vasser Sullivan Lexus GTD Lineup for Daytona

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

Townsend Bell will complete the lineup in Vasser Sullivan’s GTD class Lexus RC F GT3 for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, it has been confirmed.

Bell, who is set for his fourth consecutive race appearance with the team, will join full-season drivers Aaron Telitz and Frankie Montecalvo plus Michelin Endurance Cup driver Richard Heistand in the No. 12 Lexus.

He will once again, pull ‘double duty’ both driving and commentating for the NBC broadcast of the Roar Before the Rolex 24 and twice-around-the-clock endurance classic one week later.

“This is the first time I’ve raced the Rolex 24 with all four drivers having experience in the race and with our Lexus RC F GT3,” said Bell, who is set for his eighth Rolex 24 start. “That makes me confident.

“This will be my fourth season with the team and I couldn’t be more proud of the organization that Jimmy and Sulli have built- brick by brick.

“We have a really strong team now with a few key personnel additions over the off season. When I think about the proven race-winning capability of our Lexus RCF GT3, the VS team, and all of the outstanding support from Lexus Racing, I can’t wait to get going at Daytona.

“Make no mistake, this will be the most competitive GT field in history, however we have a group ready and eager to compete.”

Lexus Motorsports manager Jeff Bal added: “Putting Townsend together with Frankie, Aaron and Richard gives the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 a great shot at finishing in front of the rest of the GTD class in Daytona later this month.

“Townsend has proven multiple times how strong he is at DIS and he’s got three hungry drivers suiting up alongside him who are eager to put it all together and earn that watch.”

As previously announced, the team will field a GTD Pro Lexus for the first time with Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat as full-season drivers. They’ll be joined by Kyle Kirkwood for the Rolex 24 and additional Endurance Cup events.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John