Pole position and podium promise ends in frustration at Laguna Seca

A weekend that showed promise for the #14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 ended with a top-10 finish at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as the IMSA calendar travelled to California. A strategy gamble and a late fuel call in the final minutes of the race robbed Ben Barnicoat and his Jack Hawksworth of a hard-earned podium finish.

The foundations were laid in qualifying, where the opening sessions gave clear signs that the #14 was in strong shape. The converted that pace into a second consecutive IMSA pole position of the season, after an initial benchmark was laid down and only ever improved upon by a second, quicker lap in the final seconds. A statement of intent from the team, and the perfect platform from which to start the 2 hour 40 minute race.

Jack took the start and held the lead away from the line, and the #14 remained in control in the opening phase. By the ten-minute mark, the gap to the chasing pack had grown to a second, and the Lexus continued to pull away — at forty minutes in, that advantage had stretched to 2.7 seconds. The #14 pitted from the lead on the hour and, despite the inevitable loss of track position, rejoined in P5.Shortly after, a position had been quickly recovered and pushing for further progress when a Full Course Yellow caution slowed proceedings with an hour and 30 minutes on the clock.

With the race running behind the Safety Car, pitstop cycles continued, and Ben took over for the second half. When racing resumed with 75 minutes to go, Ben ran firmly in the battle for the podium, keeping the pressure on at the front. With heavy tyre degradation, he was defending hard through the closing laps as the clock ticked down, with fuel also becoming an increasing concern. With the race running without further caution to the flag, the team’s hand was forced with just six minutes remaining, and a final splash for fuel was required. The quick pitwork minimised the impact of the extra stop, but Ben would bring the #14 Lexus home P9 at the conclusion of the hard fought race. While this result means important championship points, the final position did not reflect the pace and performance delivered over the course of the weekend.

Commenting after the race, Ben explained:

"Obviously, a very disappointing day. It was a fantastic qualifying by Jack but, ultimately, it just didn’t work out today. We notoriously struggle with tyre degradation at Laguna Seca and when the sun came out, it really bit us. There were two strategies going into the race and we were on the one that lost with the highest tyre degradation and just fell back. I did everything I could. It’s difficult circumstances for everyone on the pit stand and we didn’t end up with a good result, which is a shame after a great Saturday. However, it is what it is, and we’ll try again in Detroit."

The IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship continues at the Detroit Street Circuit at the end of the month, 29-30 May.