LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 20, 2026) – Aaron Telitz, Benjamin Pedersen and the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 team were victorious in the GTD class in Saturday afternoon’s Grand Prix of Long Beach. The sister No. 89 Lexus RC F GT3 of Jack Hawksworth and Frankie Montecalvo finished fifth in GTD to give the Vasser Sullivan and Lexus team a double top-five.

Pedersen started behind the wheel of the No. 12 from the sixth position on Saturday and stayed within the top-six for most of his stint, reaching as high as third position, before handing the RC F GT3 over to Telitz with just over an hour remaining in the race. The pit stop, which came right before a crucial mid-race yellow, was just for fuel and the driver change, as the No. 12 team kept on the same set of tires for the remainder of the sprint. On a restart with just over 40 minutes to go, Telitz made a daring pass to take over second-place and became the leader among the cars on the primary pit strategy. Once things cycled through, he would go onto lead the final 29 laps and take home the checkered flag, marking his sixth career win and the first for Pedersen in just his third start in GTD.

The victory by the No. 12 gives Vasser Sullivan and Lexus its second GTD class victory in the last three years on the streets of Long Beach and the program’s third win in the last four years in Southern California including their GTD PRO class victory in 2023. It also catapulted the No. 12 to third in the GTD team points standings.

After Montecalvo claimed pole position Friday evening, the No. 89 Lexus RC F GT3 started from the rear of the GTD field this afternoon following a post-qualifying inspection penalty. With starting in the back, it was decided to have Hawksworth begin the 100-minute sprint in the cockpit of the RC F GT3 with an alternative strategy, hoping to make up as much ground as possible. The Lexus factory driver did just that, slicing his way through the GTD field and leading 14 laps before that mid-race caution fell at an inopportune time. Montecalvo then jumped in the No. 89 with just under 40 minutes remaining and fought his way back up the GTD order from ninth to finish in fifth position.

Lexus and Vasser Sullivan remain on the west coast for a quick turnaround to another IMSA sprint race at Laguna Seca on Sunday, May 3. To keep up with all the racing action, follow GAZOORacingUSA on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Vasser Sullivan Driver Quotes
AARON TELITZ, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
How does this win feel?
“Such a big win for this Vasser Sullivan Lexus team; for Sealmaster, Endava and all the partners who’ve stuck with us. It’s been a couple of years since the Lexus RC F GT3 has been in victory lane. Couldn’t be prouder to do it here in Long Beach!”

BENJAMIN PEDERSEN, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
What does this win mean for you in your third GT3 race?
“Oh my goodness! Have to give it to my teammate here (Aaron Telitz). (I) handed the car off in a good spot and he brought it home! This beast (Lexus RC F GT3) was absolutely on rails all day. Aaron did a great job, as did the whole crew. Long Beach! What can be better than that!?”

JACK HAWKSWORTH, No. 89 Lexus RC F GT3
Take us through your race today.
“Yeah it was a crazy weekend! Obviously, we had a great qualifying yesterday. So proud of Frankie (Montecalvo) putting in an amazing lap to get it to P1. We had to start from the back, and went with an alternative strategy. It was working and became the de-facto leader at one point. Just got caught out by a yellow, which can happen. Fought back there, had our elbows out and Frankie fought hard. Great win for the No. 12 team. Super happy for them, mega job and congrats to the team!”

FRANKIE MONTECALVO, No. 89 Lexus RC F GT3
How was your race today?
“Mixed feelings. Jack (Hawksworth) and I controlled most of the weekend, and put the car on pole for a perfect starting position. Sadly, we couldn’t take the green flag from there, so we decided to mix it up and have Jack start the race. He did an awesome job and actually drove straight through the field. We did everything we needed to do to get it done, and we were in the lead there with Jack, but we caught a yellow before we pitted. That took us out of contention. After we did our stop, we were in the back a little bit, but fought our way back up. All-in-all, good day for the team. Happy for the No. 12 team to be able to get this win.