Hawksworth Joins Smooge Toyota GR Supra GT4 for Indy 8H

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

Jack Hawksworth will make his competitive debut behind the wheel of a Toyota GR Supra GT4 in next weekend’s Indianapolis 8 Hour, with the Lexus factory driver joining Smooge Racing for the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli enduro.

Hawksworth, a front-runner with Vasser Sullivan Racing’s Lexus RC F GT3 in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, will join recently clinched Pirelli GT4 America Am class champions Kevin Conway and John Geesbreght in the Toyota for its North American endurance race debut.

“I first saw the Supra in 2020 and have been eager to get a taste of what it is like to drive ever since then,” Hawksworth said.

“The racing looks close and tough and to be able to partner with John and Kevin after the fantastic season they have had is a great opportunity and gives me confidence that we will be able to contend for the victory.

“I have enjoyed the Indianapolis Road Course in the past. I had my first front row start in an IndyCar there and won my first IMSA race at the track in 2014. I’m excited to be able to go back there with a great car and great teammates.”

Hawksworth becomes the third different driver with previous open-wheel experience at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to compete in the GT4 class of the race, joining Conor Daly and Pippa Mann who will be in BMW M4 GT4 and Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport machinery, respectively.

“As we end the season with one of the biggest sports car races in North America, we’re fortunate to have a veteran like Jack Hawksworth come out of the Lexus program to help out the Toyota family and our team for the Indy 8-Hour,” said team owner Alex Geesbreght.

“Jack brings a great deal of experience and a history of success to Smooge Racing. I think he’ll be a great asset to our team and compliment John and Kevin well, as we make our endurance racing debut.”

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