Vasser Sullivan Lexus claimed a hard-fought victory at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, solidifying their dominance in the GTD PRO class. This win, secured by the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3, marks a significant achievement for the team, as it is their 20th victory with the Lexus RC F GT3, with 18 of those wins coming from Vasser Sullivan. The race was a testament to strategic decision-making and precise execution, with the team's pit stop strategy proving pivotal. The No. 14 Lexus, driven by Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat, made a bold move during its first pit stop, swapping drivers and securing a track position advantage. Barnicoat's subsequent overtake on Nikita Johnson's McLaren secured the lead, and the team maintained it for the majority of the race, crossing the finish line 1.993 seconds ahead of the McLaren. Hawksworth praised the team's performance, attributing the success to their strategy and the flawless execution by the entire crew. This win not only boosts Vasser Sullivan's confidence but also highlights the Lexus RC F GT3's reliability and performance, as it claimed its ninth different IMSA track victory. Meanwhile, in the GTD class, Winward Mercedes-AMG returned to the winner's circle with a strong performance. Philip Ellis' aggressive restart and slick pit work propelled the No. 57 Mercedes-AMG GT3 to the lead, and he maintained it to the finish line, winning by 1.886 seconds over the Vasser Sullivan Lexus. Ellis' move was reminiscent of a similar pass at Road America last year, showcasing his optimism and skill. The win was a much-needed boost for Ellis and Ward, who had faced a rough patch in recent races. As the season progresses, Vasser Sullivan Lexus and Winward Mercedes-AMG will look to maintain their momentum, with the next race, the six-hour Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix at Road America, set to test their endurance and strategy once again. The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship continues to deliver thrilling races and unexpected twists, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The competition is fierce, and the battle for the top spots is far from over.
