Hawksworth, Barnicoat to Defend Title With Vasser Sullivan

Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat will return to Vasser Sullivan to defend their IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro title next year.

The British duo will again share the cockpit of the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 for the full season, while NTT IndyCar Series star Kyle Kirkwood returns to his role as the third driver for select Michelin Endurance Cup events.

Hawksworth and Barnicoat, who will team up for a third consecutive WeatherTech Championship campaign, took two wins and a further seven podiums en route to the title this season.

“To say I am excited as we look to defend our GTD Pro title in 2024 would be an understatement,” Hawksworth said.

“We have a great foundation and consistency within the Lexus and Vasser Sullivan team which will allow us to keep pushing forward, work on refining our processes and bettering ourselves as we prepare for the challenges we’ll face in 2024.

“I couldn’t ask for better teammates than Ben and Kyle, and to be surrounded by such a talented and dedicated group in the garage and on the pit stand is special.

“2023 was an exceptional year for us, but we start from zero in 2024, and it has only lit the fire to go and execute even better when the green flag drops in Daytona.

“Thank you to everyone at Lexus, TRD, and Vasser Sullivan for their continued to support. I can’t wait to get started!”

The two drivers recently sampled the Toyota GR010 Hybrid LMH car at the FIA World Endurance Championship rookie test in Bahrain, where they indicated to Sportscar365 that defending their GTD Pro crown would be their main focus for 2024.

“I’m so excited to be back with the Lexus Racing and Vasser Sullivan team for my third consecutive year, and to continue racing with Jack Hawksworth and Kyle Kirkwood in the endurance races,” said Barnicoat.

“2023 was such a special year, and I’ve never enjoyed my racing as much, and it’s for this reason I’m delighted to continue working with all the incredible staff involved with our program.

“The GTD Pro class is set to grow next year which is great for the series and for our Lexus Racing fans who will be watching us and supporting us every step of the way as we take the fight to our rivals.

“The goal is clear, to defend the title, and I can’t wait to get to business at Daytona.”