The News Wheel
No Comments

Lexus Looks to 6-Hour Watkins Glen Race with Record Pole Position

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

2018 Lexus Racing

3GT Racing’s Jack Hawksworth took pole position at Watkins Glen International with a record-setting lap behind the wheel of the Lexus RC F GT3, putting his team in the best possible position to win the six hour endurance tomorrow in the IMSA’s GTD class.

Hawksworth’s 1:44.499 lap was the third record-breaking lap of the session, having come after the record-setting lap of Christopher Mies, which itself had beaten the record-setting lap of Kyle Marcelli; Mies just barely denying the Lexus drivers of a front row lockout.

It’s a strong performance for the Lexus team, which topped the first and final sessions so far this weekend and will look to the winner’s trophy at tomorrow’s race.

“We looked fast all weekend,” Hawksworth said. “It sounds stupid, but I’ve been struggling with the feeling in the car this weekend. We didn’t know what to expect, but the guys did a very good job.”

This marks Hawksworth’s second pole of the season and he believes it can make a difference in the six hour race, provided he can keep his car clear out of trouble at the start. “These races this year have been very green,” he said. “I don’t expect to see a lot of yellow. If that’s the case, starting up front will be a big advantage.”

To celebrate the upcoming Independence Day, the two competing Lexus RC F GT3 cars will sport special patriotic liveries: the blue No. 14 car will feature red stripes on both sides and the red No. 15 car will feature blue stars running along the doors. Both will boast an American flag on the hood.