Lexus Partners With AIM VASSER SULLIVAN to Compete in IMSA’s GTD Class

Lexus Partners With AIM VASSER SULLIVAN to Compete in IMSA’s GTD Class

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Newly Formed Team to Field Two RC F GT3 Race Cars in 2019

PLANO, Texas (October 16, 2018) – Lexus will partner with AIM VASSER SULLIVAN to campaign two Lexus RC F GT3 race cars in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the 2019 season.

AIM VASSER SULLIVAN is a newly formed motorsports entity that includes AIM Autosport, a championship-winning organization, partnering with IndyCar winning team owners Jimmy Vasser and James “Sulli” Sullivan to compete in IMSA’s GT Daytona (GTD) class beginning in 2019.

“We believe AIM VASSER SULLIVAN is a great fit for our organization as we further evolve our race program,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus division. “Lexus F is a brand infused with motorsports technology and the high performance capabilities of the RC F GT3 on the race track has proven Lexus as more than just a luxury automaker.”

Vasser and Sullivan were allied and partners from 2011-2016 with KVSH Racing in the IndyCar Series. During that time, they won the 2013 Indianapolis 500 and went on to win five more IndyCar races over a three-year period (2014-2016). In 2018, they formed a partnership with Dale Coyne to establish Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan to compete in the IndyCar Series with driver Sebastien Bourdais. In its first year, the team earned multiple podiums including winning the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and finishing seventh in the 2018 championship standings.

“Sulli and I are excited and looking forward to entering a new chapter in our racing careers,” said AIM VASSER SULLIVAN co-owner Jimmy Vasser. “I have driven sportscars before, but my career was pretty much limited to the 24 Hours of Daytona, including a ‘class’ win in 1992 and second overall in 2008. The AIM VASSER SULLIVAN TEAM, with the support of Lexus and our sponsors, has the tools to get the job done and we are looking forward to this new challenge.”

AIM Autosport has won races and championships in every level of motorsports they have competed in with customer racing programs dating back to the 1990s, including the 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series GTD championship.

“Having the opportunity to campaign two mighty Lexus RC F GT3 race cars in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship next year in partnership with Jimmy and Sulli is fantastic,” said AIM VASSER SULLIVAN co-owner Andrew Bordin. “To compete for wins and Championships in this ultra-competitive class requires excellence in all aspects of racing and we now have all of the right pieces in place”

AIM VASSER SULLIVAN will operate from the current AIM facilities in Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada and a newly established U.S.-based race facility located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The team will announce its 2019 driver line-ups in the coming weeks.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Lexus F, and the global motorsports effort has redefined the brand by showcasing its high performance characteristics.

“Lexus looks forward to partnering with AIM VASSER SULLIVAN as we continue the development of the RC F GT3 and look to expand onsite track activations to showcase our line of Lexus performance vehicles,” said Mark Egger, motorsports manager, Lexus division.

The RC F GT3, which is based upon the production Lexus RC F high performance sports car, initially debuted in IMSA competition at the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona with 3GT Racing. In two seasons, the RC F GT3 earned two race wins, three podiums, five pole positions and ran eight of the quickest GTD race laps.

To stay up-to-date on all of the Lexus Racing action follow @lexusracingusa on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.lexus.com/motorsports.

About AIM VASSER SULLIVAN:
AIM VASSER SULLIVAN (AVS) is a new professional racing team competing in the GTD class of the IMSA WeatherTech Championship with two Lexus RC F GT3 entries. AVS is owned by AIM partners Andrew Bordin, Ian Willis and Keith Willis, and Vasser-Sullivan Racing partners Jimmy Vasser and James ‘Sulli’ Sullivan. AVS leadership has a combined 100+ years of experience in operations, engineering, marketing and race craft.

AIM Autosport formed in 1995 and have been winners in every category of open wheel and sports car racing they have competed in. AIM has multiple race wins, plus overall team, driver and manufacturer Championships in both Grand AM and IMSA competition.

Vasser and Sullivan were allied and partners from 2011-2016 with KVSH Racing in the IndyCar Series.  In 2017, Vasser and Sullivan established Vasser-Sullivan Racing to compete in the IndyCar series. In 2018, they formed a partnership with Dale Coyne to establish Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan to compete full time in the IndyCar Series Championship.  In its first year, the team earned multiple podiums including winning the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and finishing seventh in the 2018 championship standings.

About Lexus:
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 241 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

Lexus Racing PR Contacts:
Leigh Anne Sessions – Lexus PR
Phone: (469) 292-5849
[email protected]

Pam Jansen, Golin for Lexus Racing PR
Phone: (386) 631-2489
[email protected]

AIM VASSER SULLIVAN Racing PR Contacts:
Jim Bowie – CMO, AIM VASSER SULLIVAN
Mobile: (416) 272-8358
[email protected]

Kevin Diamond – Director Communications, Vasser-Sullivan Racing
Phone: (415) 332-2016
Mobile: (415) 729-6011
[email protected]

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