Along with the British duo reprising their roles within the cockpit of the #14 Lexus RC F GT3, the staff additionally revealed the return of Andretti International IndyCar driver Kyle Kirkwood as its third driver for choose endurance rounds.
It can mark Hawksworth’s sixth season with the staff and eighth with the Lexus Racing program, arriving in 2017. Over that span he has 10 wins and 25 podiums.
Learn extra: The British sportscar racer enjoying a well-timed career peak
Barnicoat will probably be coming into his third season alongside Hawksworth. Collectively they’ve achieved 4 victories and 16 podiums, along with the 2023 title.
As a reward for successful the 2023 title, the pair have been invited to check the Toyota hypercar on the WEC rookie take a look at Bahrain.
“I’m so excited to be again with the Lexus Racing and Vasser Sullivan staff for my third consecutive yr, and to proceed racing with Jack Hawksworth and Kyle Kirkwood within the endurance races,” he mentioned.
Photograph by: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images
#14 Vasser Sullivan, Lexus RC F GT3, GTD PRO: Jack Hawksworth, Ben Barnicoat, Kyle Kirkwood podium staff, crew
“2023 was such a particular yr, and I’ve by no means loved my racing as a lot, and it’s for that reason I’m delighted to proceed working with all of the unbelievable workers concerned with our program.
“The GTD PRO class is about to develop subsequent yr which is nice for the sequence and for our Lexus Racing followers who will probably be watching us and supporting us each step of the best way as we take the struggle to our rivals. The purpose is obvious, to defend the title, and I can’t wait to get to enterprise at Daytona.”
Hawksworth added: “To say I’m excited as we glance to defend our GTD PRO title in 2024 could be an understatement.
“We’ve got a fantastic basis and consistency inside the Lexus and Vasser Sullivan staff which is able to enable us to maintain pushing ahead, work on refining our processes and bettering ourselves as we put together for the challenges we’ll face in 2024.
“I couldn’t ask for higher teammates than Ben and Kyle, and to be surrounded by such a proficient and devoted group within the storage and on the pit stand is particular. 2023 was an distinctive yr for us, however we begin from zero in 2024, and it has solely lit the fireplace to go and execute even higher when the inexperienced flag drops in Daytona.
“Thanks to everybody at Lexus, TRD, and Vasser Sullivan for his or her continued to assist. I can’t wait to get began!”
Kirkwood helped ship a victory for the staff within the 2022 version of Petit Le Mans, with the newest standout displaying being a runner-up displaying within the 2023 12 Hours of Sebring.
“I’m ecstatic to return again and be part of Vasser Sullivan within the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3,” Kirkwood mentioned.
“Being alongside Jack and Ben has been an entire pleasure over the previous two years. I feel it’s apparent how a lot their success on the racetrack has persistently grown, and it’s been superior to be part of that.
“We’re going to be defending a championship subsequent yr and also you couldn’t ask for a greater lineup than the three of us to take action. Add to that the development of the Vasser Sullivan staff and Lexus being very seasoned with this automotive, and I’m assured we’ll have a foot in the precise course from all standpoints.”