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    Lexus Ace Jack Hawksworth to Make LMGT3 Debut at Legendary Le Mans 24 Hours

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    Jack Hawksworth Set for LMGT3 Debut at Le Mans 24 Hours with Akkodis ASP

    In a Dramatic Turn of Events

    In a dramatic turn of events, Jack Hawksworth is slated to make his LMGT3 debut at the upcoming Le Mans 24 Hours with Akkodis ASP, following the news that Jose Maria Lopez will replace the injured Mike Conway at Toyota. The reigning GTD Pro champion in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has an impressive background in Lexus RC F machinery, having driven with the Vasser Sullivan outfit since 2019.

    Lexus to Make Le Mans Debut

    With the GT3 formula being adopted by the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the 2023 season as the LMGT3 category, Lexus will make its Le Mans debut. Hawksworth’s last outing saw him secure a podium finish at the recent sprint race in Detroit with teammate Ben Barnicoat, and he will now bring his valuable experience from all 10 previous editions of the Daytona 24 Hours to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

    The Chain Reaction Begins

    The chain reaction of news began with the announcement that outgoing Hypercar World Endurance Champion Mike Conway will sit out Le Mans due to an injury, leading to the return of Jose Maria Lopez to the cockpit of the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid. As Lopez was meant to drive in his full-time WEC seat at Akkodis ASP, Hawksworth will replace him, joining Takeshi Kimura and Esteban Masson for the endeavour in the #87 Lexus.

    “Toyota GAZOO Racing shares Mike’s heartfelt disappointment at this situation and will continue to give close support throughout his journey back to full fitness.” – Toyota

    “Mike’s close friend and former team-mate Jose Maria Lopez, who raced for Toyota GAZOO Racing from 2017 to 2023, returns to the cockpit of the #7 GR010 HYBRID, starting in Sunday’s official test.” – Toyota

    The Focus Shifts to the Track

    The focus now shifts to the track, with the Le Mans 24 Hours Test Day taking place this Sunday, June 9, featuring two three-hour sessions. A mix of free practice and qualifying will precede the main race on June 15-16, where Hawksworth will contend against 22 other LMGT3 entries for the category’s first Le Mans. As the WEC 2023 season continues, fans can expect an exciting battle in the LMGT3 class.

    The Anticipation Builds

    This year’s WEC calendar has been highly anticipated, with the introduction of the LMGT3 category. The WEC 2024 season is expected to build upon the excitement generated this year. Stay tuned for more updates on the WEC 2023 season, including the upcoming Le Mans 24 Hours.

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