Lexus Comes to IMSA Racing with RC F GT3
Daytona International Raceway Adds Lexus to High-Profile International Sports Car Racing with the RC F GT3 IMSA Race Car
Growing factory involvement is good for any series, and now International Motor Sports Association is bolstering its lineup with Lexus. Pre-season testing for the Lexus RC F GT3 race car was recently conducted at the Daytona International Raceway, and things are looking very positive for the two cars that partook in the testing.
Veteran race car driver Scott Pruitt was looking forward to the new sports car, given his experience with Lexus racing prototypes in the past. He noted: “From my standpoint, moving from a prototype to a GT is significantly different, so there’s so much newness to it, but there’s so much excitement. I’ve been in this business a long time and when you can work with a manufacturer like Lexus there’s that freshness and that excitement to it all. Instead of just doing it all again, this is all for the first time.”
IMSA’s GTD class, where the Lexus will be competing, faces some stiff competition from AMG, BMW, Corvette, Porsche and other brands. However, the veteran drivers and crew behind the Lexus effort will ensure a respectable first season. Run by experienced team owner Paul Gentilozzi, 3GT Racing will have a two-car field driven by Pruitt and his teammate, IndyCar driver Sage Karam. The sister car will have drivers Robert Alon and Jack Hawksworth.
Additional testing, called the “Roar Before the 24,” will be taking place in early January. This is when the cars will be tested in all conditions that might be faced during the season opening 24H of the Daytona endurance race. The testing gives them a few weeks to make adjustments to the car before the iconic all-day, all-night Daytona 24 Hour race kicks off on Jan. 28.
Check out the gallery of cool rides below!
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
