Hawksworth’s day began on a high note, securing pole position in the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3. However, the day took an unexpected turn as he incurred a penalty, relegating him to the rear of the field for inadvertently striking a crew member during a pit stop.
Despite this setback, Hawksworth and his team displayed resilience, steadily progressing through the field. In the final stint, Hawksworth seized the opportunity for redemption, navigating a fiercely contested battle for the lead.
Amidst intense competition in the closing stages, Hawksworth engaged in a thrilling duel with race leader Daniel Serra and the No. 3 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R of Daniel Juncadella. A daring maneuver propelled Hawksworth past Serra, clinching victory by a razor-thin margin of 0.121 seconds.
Reflecting on the challenging race, Hawksworth emphasized the team’s flawless execution and determination, culminating in a triumphant return to the winner’s circle. The victory marked a significant milestone for the team, underscoring their unwavering commitment to excellence.
For Hawksworth and his co-driver, the victory at Sebring served as a poignant reminder of their championship-winning pedigree, propelling them back into contention after a challenging start to the season.
Joining them on the podium was the Iron Lynx team, capping off a memorable day of intense competition and exhilarating racing action.
While emotions ran high post-race, Hawksworth acknowledged the physicality of the competition, emphasizing the uncompromising nature of IMSA racing. Despite the intensity, Hawksworth’s focus remained on securing victory, a testament to his unwavering determination and competitive spirit.