Hawksworth commenced the day from pole position in the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3, yet encountered a setback swiftly. He was penalized and relegated to the rear of the field for inadvertently colliding with a crew member during his initial pit stop.
Despite this setback, the trio of drivers managed to steadily progress. Hawksworth was entrusted with the final stint, offering him a chance at redemption.
The climax of IMSA’s endurance classic witnessed an exhilarating battle unfold during the 12th and final caution. Race leader Daniel Serra in Risi Competizione’s Ferrari 296 GT3 found himself fiercely contested by Hawksworth and Daniel Juncadella in the No. 3 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. Juncadella and Hawksworth exchanged positions for second place until the latter seized the opportunity and set his sights on Serra.
In the closing moments, an intense duel ensued between Hawksworth and Serra around the 3.74-mile, 17-turn circuit, marked by gritty contact. Ultimately, the Lexus executed a bold maneuver, overtaking the Ferrari into Turn 1 and securing victory by a margin of 0.121 seconds.
Reflecting on the battle, Hawksworth remarked, “Yeah, it was intense. We anticipated a tough fight. In these lengthy races, perfection is imperative. Everyone must execute flawlessly for a shot at victory. Despite facing challenges, our team made significant strides over the off-season. This victory marks a commendable comeback.”
He continued, “Saturday was flawless. Apart from an early drive-through penalty, we performed exceptionally well throughout. Our pit crew was exceptional, and my co-drivers Ben and Kyle were outstanding. It was a fierce competition towards the end, but emerging victorious was incredibly gratifying. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved. The final hours were nothing short of chaotic.”
The triumph not only marked the team’s first victory since Watkins Glen the previous July but also the second endurance racing triumph for Lexus.
For Barnicoat and Hawksworth, the defending GTD Pro champions, this achievement adds to their impressive record of podium finishes in 14 out of 17 races dating back to July 2022 at Lime Rock Park.
Following a challenging runner-up result at Sebring last year and an early retirement at the start of the season in the Daytona 24 Hours in January, this victory serves as a significant boost.
Barnicoat emphasized the significance of the win, stating, “It’s monumental for the organization. The dedication and hard work of all the Lexus racing personnel have paid off. I’ve been fortunate to be part of such a remarkable program. From securing wins at Atlanta and Petit Le Mans in the first year to clinching the championship last year, this victory at Sebring further solidifies our position. Despite a rough start to the season, our performance showcased our championship-winning capabilities.”
Joining Vasser Sullivan and Risi Competizione on the podium was the Iron Lynx team in the No. 19 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2.
Despite Juncadella appearing poised for a podium finish, his race was cut short after a collision with Laurens Heinrich in the No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 R, resulting in a drive-through penalty for Heinrich.
Addressing the physicality of the race, Hawksworth commented, “It’s racing at its toughest. As competitors, we race to win. The battle for victory intensifies towards the end, and sometimes it gets rough. This is IMSA racing – fiercely contested and sometimes contentious. We emerged victorious, and if others want to lament, so be it.”