Lexus RC F GT3 Teams Finish Mid-Table in Rolex 24 at Daytona

Posted by Kevin on January 28th, 2018

Lexus Racing returned to the Rolex 24 at Daytona this weekend for the start of the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship season, with two RC F GT3 race cars run by the 3GT Racing team.

After climbing to a tandem second and third place in the GTD Class for the first two hours of the race, a software mapping issue forced both RC F GT3s to hold in the infield to avoid a time penalty. This pushed the #15 RC F back to 10th place and the #14 to the 20th. From this moment on, both teams were unable to make up much ground. The #15 RC F finished 9th in class and the #14 RCF finished 15th.

“Lexus

As the final race for driver Scott Pruett, the results are disappointing — a better finish would have been a well-deserved conclusion to Pruett’s illustrious career. At the same time, both teams showed remarkable consistency both before and after the unfortunate technical error. Omit this single stretch of time, and Lexus could have had two cars on the GTD podium.

(Lexus Enthusiast editor Kevin Watts was in attendance for the race in Daytona, staying up for all but three hours of the 24 hour race. Check out our ongoing Instagram story, and look for our follow-up feature once he recovers.)

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Comments
PeterF
Many thanks to Scott Pruett for all that he has done with Lexus! what a superb driver and human being
krew
Just spent the day at Daytona Speedway talking with the drivers and team members. Had a hot lap around the track in a GS F, also had a Pedialyte Mimosa.

Great start to the weekend, and I can see why people are so crazy about racing. It's been a real eye-opener.
mikeavelli
Have a great time, I'm not making it this year....

That Pedialyte Mirmosa hahahahaha
PeterF
krew
Just spent the day at Daytona Speedway talking with the drivers and team members. Had a hot lap around the track in a GS F, also had a Pedialyte Mimosa.

Great start to the weekend, and I can see why people are so crazy about racing. It's been a real eye-opener.
jealous! did you know that the fastest time for the Lightning lap at the VIR (virginia international raceway) was set by a Lexus RCF GT3 prototype which is essentially what they are driving at IMSA. that's impressive since the competition is the Ford GT.

This year I have developed a real love for track driving. I saw the Lexus team at Watkins Glen last year, and will see them again this year as well. Must be a blast doing a hot lap in a GS F at Daytona. Enjoy! and thanks for reporting on the event
PeterF
so far things look great, at least at my last viewing. lexus was running 2nd and 3rd; looking very very fast! -- i edited out my other comments RE how well Lexus is doing compared to AMG etc. we have fallen back considerably; now in 9th - its a touch competition; there is still time. GO LEXUS. Scott Pruett now driving
krew
Lexus RC F GT3 Teams Finish Mid-Table in Rolex 24 at Daytona

[​IMG]

The #15 finishes 9th, the #14 finishes 15th.
View the original article post
PeterF
I was wondering what happened that dropped them from 2nd and 3rd. I was watching the race, they were right at the top, then I had to take a break, then #15 was down to 10th. I was looking at fastest lap times, and Lexus was right up there.

I'm not sure what a "software mapping issue" is or the precise "timing" rules that led to their having to delay or wait. Unfortunate! Nonetheless, given their final placing and this big glitch, they did well.

Can anyone explain what this 'software mapping issue' is or means in the context of this race?
M
From my understanding each regulatory body no matter what racing series has strict rules about what ECU is allow to do and what it is not like how to limit engine RPM, fuel usage, fuel-air mixture, etc. Constructors have to work within the legal bounds to make the most out of the car so many working modes or maps are applied to the ECU through software mapping. This gives drivers the ability to change maps during the race like qualifying mode, fuel saving mode, etc. Lexus must have glitched out somehow and this has affected the car's performance somehow.

On a side note Acura/Honda has done such a great job on their second try with NSX GT3!
PeterF
mediumhot
From my understanding each regulatory body no matter what racing series has strict rules about what ECU is allow to do and what it is not like how to limit engine RPM, fuel usage, fuel-air mixture, etc. Constructors have to work within the legal bounds to make the most out of the car so many working modes or maps are applied to the ECU through software mapping. This gives drivers the ability to change maps during the race like qualifying mode, fuel saving mode, etc. Lexus must have glitched out somehow and this has affected the car's performance somehow.

On a side note Acura/Honda has done such a great job on their second try with NSX GT3!

thanks, makes sense, but I must admit that I thought it was simply all out racing within a category without limitations apart from basic engine and car specs. Complicated! you are right, Acura NSX GT3 really did well!
krew
I'm sure it's been obvious that things have slowed down since the Rolex 24 -- should have been smarter and not stayed up for nearly the whole race. Got sick :expressionless:

Feeling about 70% now, and should be getting back to normal.

K