Kirkwood in No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus for Daytona

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

Kyle Kirkwood will complete Vasser Sullivan Racing’s lineup in its No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Kirkwood contested the long-distance endurance races in the team’s GTD Pro class No. 14 Lexus last year, highlighted by victory at Motul Petit Le Mans. He also claimed a GTD win in a one-off appearance in Detroit with the team.

The NTT IndyCar Series driver joins full season drivers Aaron Telitz and Frankie Montecalvo, plus Michelin Endurance Cup pilot Parker Thompson, in the car for the Florida endurance classic.

“Kyle played a huge role in two of our 2022 IMSA wins, and the time is right to give him an opportunity to help lead the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus to a Rolex 24 victory,” read a statement from team co-owners Jimmy Vasser and James ‘Sulli’ Sullivan.

“We’ve been laser focused on building a roster that’s a favorite to win it, and with an all-star line-up, we’re ready for it.”

Kirkwood’s placement in the No. 12 Lexus for Daytona means he will not return to the No. 14 car for the Endurance Cup races, with the identity of Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat’s co-driver yet to be announced.

“Driving with the No. 12 car group will be a ton of fun,” said Kirkwood. “I’ve known all three drivers for a long time and with the addition of Parker Thompson, we’ll be a true powerhouse.

“Vasser Sullivan and Lexus always prepare race winning cars, and coming off our win in the No. 14 car at Petit Le Mans last year, it will give the team momentum going into the first race of the 2023 season, which is also the biggest race of the year.”

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