Thompson Displays Tenacity in Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Mar 17, 2024

SEBRING INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, FL

Parker Thompson, alongside teammates Frankie Montecalvo and Aaron Telitz, demonstrated unwavering determination in Round 2 of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Piloting the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus Racing USA RC F GT3 in the GTD class, the group faced an endurance race marked by ups and downs, ultimately reaching the finish thirteenth in class.

Thompson, who qualified third but started second due to a competitor’s penalty, showcased skill and pace, taking the class lead on the opening lap and maintaining it throughout his first stint before handing the car off to Montecalvo. Despite mid-race setbacks, including a drive-through penalty and car damage, the team remained resolute, battling to stay in contention at the front end of the GTD field.
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Reflecting on the race, Thompson remarked, “The 12 car just needs a little luck. When I look back at this weekend, we did everything right. Unfortunately, the race didn’t fall our way.” He emphasized the team’s perseverance, stating, “We don’t give up, and that was true throughout the race. We kept digging all the way to the end, and I’m proud of us for not giving up.”

Thompson led the No. 12 squad, marking the fastest Lexus RC F GT3 lap and single-handedly piloting the wounded car through the final 3.5 hours. A challenging conclusion saw a collision with a back marker take them out of contention for a top-five finish. Thompson expressed confidence in the team moving forward, “We’re about to start the sprint season, and I’ve never been more confident in this group. They believe in me, and I believe in them. Our program continues to shine and was especially evident in the performance of the #14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus Racing USA GTD Pro entry this weekend. Congratulations to them on their win.”

Thompson and full-time season co-driver Montecalvo will continue their campaign in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with the Grand Prix of Long Beach, held from April 19th to 21st. The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring showcased Thompson’s resilience and the team’s unwavering spirit, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

UPCOMING IMSA WEATHERTECH SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach – April 20
Motul Course de Monterey – May 12
Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix – June 1
Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen – June 23
Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park – July 14
IMSA Sportscar Weekend at Road America – August 4
Michelin GT Challenge at VIR – August 25
Tirerack.com Battle on the Bricks at IMS – September 22
Motul Petit Le Mans – October 12

For more details and broadcast information, visit imsa.com.