Tuesday, March 21, 2023 – Highlands, NJ – After twelve hours of hard-fought racing, Vasser Sullivan driver Frankie Montecalvo finished P5 at the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring. Montecalvo shared the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 with Parker Thompson and full season co-driver Aaron Telitz. Telitz qualified third, however started the race second due to a penalty to another competitor.
The event saw twelve caution periods in total. Montecalvo, Telitz, and Thompson did their best to avoid the mayhem, but unfortunately, they suffered contact from behind later in the race. Thanks to the preparations from the Vasser Sullivan team, the No. 12 lost minimal time repairing the damage, and was able to continue the fight into the top five.
“It’s always fantastic to be back at the 12 Hours of Sebring. The atmosphere from the fans is incredible and the track itself is like no other,” said Montecalvo.
“The 12 Hours of Sebring always has some crazy racing, and this year was no different. There was a lot of good racing and some that was a bit questionable. Our goal was to stay out of trouble and run clean and consistent laps. We did that for most of the race, but I was hit from behind by a car in a different class and sustained damage to the left rear.”
“I was able to stay out, but we were losing time with the damage. On the next pit stop we changed the rear bumper, and thanks to the quick work from the crew, we were able to stay on the lead lap.”
Unfortunately, the team was penalized for not meeting the minimum refueling time and had to serve a drive through penalty which dropped them to 19th place. For the remainder of the race, all three drivers continued to pick off positions and make their way back into the top ten.
With Telitz in the car for the final two stints, the team made a couple of strategic pit stops for additional fuel that enabled Telitz to be able to push at the end of the race and take fifth position in class.
“I can’t thank the Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing teams, as well as Aaron and Parker enough for all their hard work over the weekend. I’m happy to come away from the 12 Hours of Sebring with fifth place points. We certainly would have liked to have finished higher, but we’re in a great spot for the championship.”
“Congratulations to the No. 14 car on their P2 finish. I’m looking forward to a few weeks back at home with my family and then back to racing at the Long Beach Grand Prix in April.”
The next event for Montecalvo will be the Long Beach Grand Prix on April 15. Be sure to follow Frankie on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all of his racing news.