High Hopes as Thompson and Vasser Sullivan Racing Head to Sebring

SEBRING, FLORIDA

Parker Thompson’s 2023 race season enters its second stage next week as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship heads to Sebring International Raceway (March 16-18). Following his appearance at the Rolex 24 at Daytona early this year, Thompson continues his role as endurance specialist, joining Vasser Sullivan Racing and teammates Aaron Telitz and Frankie Montecalvo. The driver trio will take on the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, piloting the black and yellow No. 12 SealMaster Lexus Racing USA entry in GTD class. 

Set on a World War II-era airfield, The 6.0-km Sebring road course is arguably the most punishing circuit on the IMSA schedule. Known for churning bumps and heavy braking zones, Thompson and Vasser Sullivan will lean on a Lexus RC F GT3 racecar that has been thoroughly developed through four seasons of IMSA endurance competition.

In January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, Thompson and the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan crew executed a clean race and challenged the front of the 23-car GTD field, ultimately finishing in fifth place. After a promising series test at Sebring last month, the team will look to move up the rankings when the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring launches on March 18th at 10:10 AM EST. 

“Coming off a great first outing, I expect that the No. 12 SealMaster Lexus Racing USA machine at Vasser Sullivan will be Challenging for a win at Sebring! With a new car, a new series, and even a new track at Daytona, the team around me has been incredible in helping me get up to speed. Now I’ve had more time in the car, and we are heading to a track I know well! I can’t wait for another crack at North America’s bumpiest track. You always have to respect the rugged surface at Sebring, but I was shocked at how good our Lexus was during testing. Compared to other cars I’ve driven at Sebring, it was much easier to keep the car composed through turns 1 and 17. I’ll work hard with our Vasser Sullivan team to ensure I can still say the same thing on race day. Let’s go win a silver platter!” – Parker Thompson

About Vasser Sullivan Racing:

Vasser Sullivan Racing is owned by 1996 INDYCAR Champion, Jimmy Vasser and Dallas businessman, James “Sulli” Sullivan. Vasser Sullivan has been aligned with Lexus since 2019. During their four-year partnership, Vasser Sullivan and Lexus have amassed an impressive record securing 10 wins, 14 pole positions, and finishing on the podium a prominent 61% of the time. Vasser Sullivan were recently crowned 2022 Petit Le Mans Champions, giving Lexus its first IMSA endurance championship win. In 2022, the team finished second in the GTD PRO manufacturer, team and driver championships, finished second at the 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona, and are the 2020 IMSA GTD Sprint Cup Champions. Vasser and Sullivan first partnered together to compete in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES from 2011-2016 with Team KVSH. They teamed-up again for another four INDYCAR seasons as Dale Coyne Vasser Sullivan Racing. The Vasser Sullivan INDYCAR partnership has recorded six wins including winning the 2013 Indianapolis 500.  

About Lexus:

The Lexus RC F GT3 enters its seventh season in the GTD class, and second year in the GTD PRO category, competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. During its previous four seasons, Lexus and Vasser Sullivan have combined to earn 10 wins, 28 podium finishes and 14 pole positions with the RC F GT3. Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, two F performance models and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

Event Information

2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 
Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Thursday, March 16, 2023
10:10 AM EST – Practice 1
3:50 PM EST – Practice 2
7:45 PM EST – Practice 3

Friday, March 17, 2023
8:55 AM EST – Practice 4
9:15 AM EST – Qualifying

Saturday, March 18, 2023
8:00 AM EST – Warm Up
10:10 AM EST – Race Start

For flag-to-flag coverage of the event visit IMSA.TV. Follow Parker throughout the weekend at https://parkerthompsonracing.com/live