Jack Hawksworth, a cornerstone of the Lexus program since its very first lap, is strapping in for his ninth season behind the wheel of the Lexus RC F GT3 with Vasser Sullivan. And he’s poised to push the limits once again.

This time, he’s teaming up with Parker Thompson in the No. 12 RC F GT3 entry competing in IMSA’s GTD class. The pairing of Hawksworth and Thompson is off to a great start as they currently sit third in the GTD standings with four podium finished and three pole positions heading into the final two races of the season.

In 2023, the professional British racer, along with Ben Barnicoat, captured the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD PRO championship. That season, Hawksworth and Barnicoat finished on the podium at nine of the 11 races to secure the first full-season GT championship for Lexus and Vasser Sullivan and for the RC F GT3 worldwide.

Laser Focus and Unflinching Drive
For Hawksworth, the secret to achieving his racing goals lies in a focused strategy: keeping his eyes forward, staying in his lane and never letting off the gas.

“I think the biggest thing for me is, in racing there are so many moving parts, and just to try and control the things you can control and not worry about the things you can’t,” he says. “You have to stay focused on the present and the step-by-step, trying to be in the moment and execute.”

Hawksworth, who began racing go-karts at the young age of 12, took the top prizes and scored several championships in the UK before moving to the United States in 2012 to compete in the Star Mazda Series. He went on to claim the series championship in 2012 by breaking the Star Mazda record for most wins (eight) and poles (four).

The foundation for his success is solid.

“My racing journey began because my dad was always into bikes, and he was around engines and cars and things like that, so I was exposed to things like that from a young age,” he says.

After going to a go-kart track when he was 12, Hawksworth was hooked. He adds, “I loved the atmosphere, the smell of it and everything. My dad bought me a go-kart after that, and we started racing at a local track and it kind of grew from there.”

Watch, Rewind and Learn
How does he stay prepared and ahead of the game? Ironically, it’s by breaking down his performance.

“The biggest thing is to watch video,” Hawksworth says. “I watch last year’s race and go to the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) simulator. I always do physical training, especially making sure to acclimate to the heat if it’s going to be a hot race. I need to make sure I’m hydrated and do plenty of cardio.”

Hawksworth attributes some of his longevity to a career-long commitment to learning from a diverse array of mentors. While his father played a pivotal role in steering his path, Hawksworth is quick to acknowledge the collective influence of many who helped shape his journey.

“There’s been so many people through the years who have helped me in karting and all the way through now,” he says. “I wouldn’t say there’s one particular person. Obviously, my dad has been a massive supporter, and he’s helped me a ton. I’ve had so many good mentors throughout the years. For example, in our Lexus program, my engineer Geoff Fickling. I’ve worked with him since 2011. I’ve learned a lot from him and hopefully he’s learned some stuff from me.”

Built on Strong Bonds 
He believes that cultivating good relationships is one of the keys to unlocking success and positive outcomes, whether behind the wheel or in life. Among these vital connections, Hawksworth highlights Lexus as an unshakeable pillar throughout his career.

“The brand has been so good to me. The people who I’ve worked with and who I get to work with every day – I really enjoy it. I really love working with the Lexus and Vasser Sullivan family. I think we have a really good atmosphere within the brand and that seeps into the team.”

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