Telitz Moves to No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus in GTD

Photo: Sam Cobb/IMSA

Aaron Telitz will drive the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 for Vasser Sullivan next year, remaining in the GT Daytona class with team stalwart Frankie Montecalvo.

Telitz — who drove alongside Jack Hawksworth for the last two seasons — and Montecalvo will be joined by the returning Richard Heistand for the Michelin Endurance Cup races.

Confirmation on the No. 12 Lexus’ lineup follows the recently announced driver combo of Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat in the new GTD Pro class.

Telitz effectively replaces Zach Veach in the car’s full-season lineup.

“I’m thrilled to be taking the reins of the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 for Vasser Sullivan,” said Telitz.

“I started my IMSA career in the 12 car before moving to the 14 and it’s been an amazing two years of full-time running with Jack in GTD. Now, Frankie and I are reuniting to lead the 12 side in GTD for Vasser Sullivan and Lexus.

“We’ve got Richard on board as the endurance driver which is big too as we have three guys who all have experience in the RC F and know what it takes to win in it.”

Montecalvo will be embarking on his fourth season with the Jimmy Vasser and James ‘Sulli’ Sullivan-owned operation.

“We have had great success and momentum that I look forward to continuing,” he said. “Each year we get stronger and stronger, so I feel this year we will be a major championship contender.”

Lexus Motorsports manager Jef Bal added: “Frankie, Aaron and Richard know the car well and all three have earned wins, podiums and poles behind the wheel of the RC F GT3.

“Their experience in the Lexus combined with good chemistry creates an advantage for the 12.

“Both Jimmy and Sulli have done a great job pulling together a winning driver lineup and building an excellent crew to make sure the Lexus will be in position to earn podiums throughout the season.

“The team is energized and we’re excited to watch them go out and fight for the GTD championship in 2022.”

Vasser Sullivan’s fourth driver, as required by GTD class rules for the Rolex 24, is expected to be announced early next month.

The team, meanwhile, is expecting to retain a three-driver squad for its GTD Pro entry in Daytona, which is permitted in the new-for-2022 category.

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