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Thompson Continues Upward Trend with Remarkable 2023 Season

Oct 17, 2023

Thompson Continues Upward Trend with Remarkable 2023 Season

After coming out on top in Carrera Cup North America last year, Parker Thompson showed no signs of suffering a championship hangover in 2023. The twenty-five-year-old Canadian followed up his championship season with standout performances in top-tier sportscar series. Joining the Toyota family, he drove the Lexus RC F GT3 and Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO to victories in three series with three teams. At times, Thompson dominated his competitors, solidifying his position in sports car racing’s upper echelon and arguably delivering the most successful season of his career to date.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE 2023 SEASON:

  • 18 Total Races: Thompson competed in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with Vasser Sullivan Racing, the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with Hattori Motorsports, and the SRO Pirelli GT4 America with Hanley Motorsports.
  • 4 Race Victories and 5 Podiums: With wins in each series, Thompson claimed four race wins. He stood on the podium five times, with seven top-five finishes. 
  • Lightning Pace: Behind the wheel of a GR Supra GT4 EVO, Thompson posted the top time in five qualifying sessions (earning three pole starts) and set the fastest race lap in three contests.
VASSER SULLIVAN RACING AND IMSA WEATHERTECH:

Thompson’s season began in January at the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA. Alongside teammates Telitz, Montecalvo, and Kirkwood, Thompson excelled in the globally recognized GT3 contest, helping the black, yellow, and green No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 earn a fifth-place finish in GTD. 

Thompson joined Vasser Sullivan for all four IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship endurance stops. At the Sebring 12 Hour, he set the No. 12’s best lap time as the team earned another fifth-place finish. At Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, an outstanding stint by Thompson established a significant margin for the race lead, putting his team in a commanding position to claim victory.

DEBUT WIN IN IMSA MPC WITH HATTORI MOTORSPORTS:

Thompson found instant success in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, piloting the No. 50 Hattori Motorsports, Weins Auto Group GR Supra GT4 EVO alongside Billy Johnson. On his native ground, at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Thompson earned the pole position and established a dominant lead through the first half of the two-hour contest. Johnson took over for the second half, and when the dust settled, the No. 50 came out on top. The result marked the first IMSA race victory for the Toyota GR Supra race car.

HANLEY MOTORSPORTS – FULL SEASON GT4 CAMPAIGN:

Joining forces with Robert Hanley, Thompson launched a new Hanley Motorsports team to take on Pirelli GT4 America with the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO. Thompson led and mentored rookie co-driver Daniel Hanley, and the duo had an immediate impact on the series. Thompson earned the top time in seven official sessions throughout the season, starting from pole position twice and earning the Crowdstrike Fastest Lap award three times. The Hanley Motorsports team captured their first Silver-class race win at Circuit of the Americas in May, then took overall victory at Sebring in September.

After his triumphs in 2023, Thompson looks to continue his progression. With a new race season and January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona rapidly approaching, Thompson is hard at work, focused on claiming a premier North American sports car championship.

 

IN THOMPSON’S OWN WORDS:

“After the year I had in 2022, I had the highest expectations for this season. It did not disappoint! That said, there have been moments of uncertainty where I wasn’t sure which direction my career would lead. First, I must thank Jimmy and ‘Sulli’ of Vasser Sullivan for putting me in the Lexus Racing No. 12 RC F GT3. As demonstrated by their GTD Pro Championship win this season, they’ve assembled an outstanding team. I would be honored to play a role in their future endeavors. In Pirelli GT4 America, Rob Hanley put tremendous faith in me to help launch the Hanley Motorsports team and mentor his son, Daniel. I’m proud to have won in every race car I drove this year. That said, winning races is only part of winning championships. Whatever happens in 2024, earning another series title will be at the top of my mind!”

Thompson Readies for IMSA Showdown at Motul Petit Le Mans

Oct 11, 2023

Thompson Readies for IMSA Showdown at Motul Petit Le Mans

ATLANTA, GA

Parker Thompson is gearing up for an exciting finale of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The young Canadian is back behind the wheel of the No. 12 Lexus Racing USA RC F GT3 of Vasser Sullivan Racing. He will join Aaron Telitz and Frankie Montecalvo at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for the Motul Petit Le Mans, reuniting the team that secured victory in the GTD class at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen earlier in the season. They aim to replicate their success in the upcoming 10-hour endurance race this weekend.

Held at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the Motul Petit Le Mans marks the fourth and final round of the Michelin Endurance Cup (MEC), a specialized championship within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, focusing on endurance rounds. The ten-hour Motul Petit Le Mans takes center stage this weekend with an 11:40 AM EDT start on Saturday.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Jimmy and “Sulli” of Vasser Sullivan Racing for the opportunity to join their team for this iconic event. We’ve had great results together, including a win earlier this season at Watkins Glen. This weekend, I’m focused on supporting Aaron, Frankie, and the entire No. 12 Lexus Racing USA crew, hoping to close out the 2023 season in the best possible way.” – Parker Thompson

Activities on track run from Thursday through Sunday, with a packed weekend schedule also featuring season finale events in the Michelin Pilot Challenge, VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, and Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup. Those looking to take in all the race action at Motul Petit Lemans Qualifying can follow along at IMSA.TV. IMSA’s live streaming platform will broadcast all ten hours of Saturday’s race to viewers outside the United States. Within the United States, the big race will be available live on Peacock Premium.

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.  

Event Information

2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 
Motul Petit Le Mans

Thursday, October 12, 2023
9:50 AM – Practice 1
2:35 PM – Practice 2
7:30 PM – Practice 3

Friday, October 13, 2023
3:20 PM – Qualifying

Saturday, October 14, 2023
8:45 AM – Warm Up
11:40 AM – Race Start

*All times EDT

Thompson and Hanley Motorsports Deliver Win, Pole and Fastest Lap at Sebring

Sep 26, 2023

Thompson and Hanley Motorsports Deliver Win, Pole and Fastest Lap at Sebring

SEBRING, FL

Hanley Motorsports showed exceptional performance in a tightly fought #GTSebring battle that saw three different manufacturers win in three races. Parker Thompson, teammate Daniel Hanley, and the Hanley Motorsports No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO clenched victory in the weekend’s opening race, earned a podium in the second, and started from pole position in the third. With their result, Hanley Motorsports and the GR Supra GT4 EVO continue to represent a premier force in the Pirelli GT4 America series.

The weekend began with a victory as Thompson started on the front row in Friday afternoon’s NOLA makeup race. The Canadian driver took the lead early on, clocked the fastest lap, and established a comfortable margin for the No. 999 through the first half of the contest. Daniel Hanley took over at the halfway mark and cleanly drove to the checkered flag.

Qualifying for two official Sebring races took place on Saturday morning, where the team earned its best overall starting positions to date. Daniel posted the 6th best time overall in Qualifying 1 (5th in Silver class), while Thompson took the outright pole position in Race 2.

Rookie Daniel Hanley had a strong start in Saturday’s Race, impressively challenging the competitors ahead of him while preserving his car and position. Thompson continued the effort in the latter half of the contest, momentarily taking the race lead and ultimately finishing third place overall.

On Sunday morning, Thompson lined up on the pole versus a thirty-three-car GT4 field. The twenty-five-year-old was challenged early on when the No. 51 entry of Kenton Koch stole the lead in the opening corner. Thompson battled Koch for eight laps before recapturing first position. Daniel took the wheel and maintained the lead for several laps before the pressures of close battle and Florida heat took a toll on his tires, dropping him into the grips of the lead pack. Ultimately, the team was assessed a drive-thru penalty for a pit-lane speed infraction. The violation dropped the No. 999 to 8th overall and 6th in Silver.

Thompson was ecstatic about the team’s performance. “Our first overall win, our third and fourth podiums, and a pole position make this the best weekend ever for Hanley Motorsports and our GR Supra GT4 EVO. From start to finish, we were right at the front in each race. That says a lot about the progress of my teammate, Daniel Hanley. He’s less than 12 months into his racing career, but there is no doubt that he fits in at the front of this Pirelli GT4 America field. Despite our strong performance, when we review our performance this weekend, I know we’ll find some things we could have done even better. I expect our Toyota to be in an even stronger position in two weeks when the series visits my home track, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”

The 2023 Pirelli GT4 America season closes October 6-8 with two races on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Thompson and Hanley will look for maximum impact, expanding their growing collection of trophies in the series.

Images credit Bob Chapman / Autosport Image

Thompson Powers Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO to Pole, Podium and Fastest Lap at Road America

Aug 22, 2023

Thompson Powers Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO to Pole, Podium and Fastest Lap at Road America

ELKHART LAKE, WI

Parker Thompson’s prowess was on full display this weekend at Road America in the SRO Pirelli GT4 America series. The Canadian standout earned Hanley Motorsports and the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO a pole position start for Race 2 and the Crowdstrike Fastest Lap award as the team achieved a Silver-class podium finish.

The action-packed weekend saw Thompson and teammate Daniel Hanley skillfully navigate a contentious thirty-four-car GT4 field. Despite numerous on-track incidents and limited green flag action, Thompson’s skill and the impressive pace of the Hanley Motorsports GR Supra shone through. Thompson quickly adapted to the recently re-paved, 4.0-mile Road America circuit. In Practice 2, he clocked the session’s fastest lap. When Driver 2 Qualifying results were abandoned due to a red flag, the twenty-five-year-old’s best practice lap earned Hanley Motorsports the pole position for Race 2.

In Race 1 on Saturday afternoon, Thompson’s stint was again impacted by incidents on track. Teammate Daniel Hanley started from the 15th position and made significant progress early in the race. Thompson took the wheel at the halfway point but only saw one lap of green flag action. He drove the No. 999 to the checkered flag under yellow, 10th overall and fifth in class.

On Sunday morning, Thompson showcased his pace when Race 2 began. Starting first on the grid, he accomplished an exceptional start, pulling a gap on former Carrera Cup North America rival Kay Van Berlo in the second position. Thompson dominated the field through the contest’s first half, clocking the race’s fastest lap and establishing a 7-second margin over second place. An unfortunate pit stop mishap during the driver change led to a fierce fight at the front for Daniel Hanley and the No. 999. Ultimately, the team secured a fourth-place finish overall and third in the Silver class.

Thompson’s performance was pleased with his performance and the team’s effort. “The Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO consistently proves its potential in this Pirelli GT4 America series. Road America is a special track for me, and I’m happy to secure the fastest lap and help earn the team another podium finish. Daniel’s progress through his rookie year is impressive. Not only is he showing improved pace with each consecutive weekend, but he’s also looking fierce and calculated during race action. I’m excited about our potential as the end of the 2023 season approaches.”

The Pirelli GT4 America series will resume action at Sebring International Raceway (September 22-24), featuring a three-race schedule that includes a make-up race after a cancellation due to weather at NOLA Motorsports Park. The season ends at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, October 5-8.

Parker Thompson Ready to Take on Road America with Hanley Motorsports and Pirelli GT4 America

Aug 14, 2023

Parker Thompson Ready to Take on Road America with Hanley Motorsports and Pirelli GT4 America

Elkhart Lake, WI

After standout performances in IMSA race series through June and July, Parker Thompson is gearing up to return to action with SRO and Pirelli GT4 America. He’ll join teammate Daniel Hanley, piloting the No. 999 Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO as the series visits Road America this weekend, August 18th-20th.

Though the Pirelli GT4 America series has been on break since its June visit to VIRginia International Raceway, Thompson has been anything but idle. Since that time, he earned race victories in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA, and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with Hattori Motorsports and Toyota Gazoo Racing North America. Combine these victories with his Silver-class triumph in May at the Circuit of the Americas in the SRO GT4 series, and its clear that the young Canadian is a formidable force in his rookie season with the Toyota sports car family.

Thompson holds high hopes for his return to “America’s National Park of Speed.” The 4-mile Wisconsin circuit, with its storied history spanning over six decades, has played a pivotal role in Thompson’s career. “From the track itself to the atmosphere of the region, Road America is always one of my favorite places to race. It’s been home to some of my career’s most memorable battles and wins.”

Thompson and teammate Hanley will share driving duties in two one-hour races scheduled on Saturday and Sunday, and hopes are high. Thompson reflected, “While our team has faced challenges earlier in the season, that doesn’t deter our ambitions. Road America offers a perfect opportunity for us to have a big impact.”

 

Event Schedule

Races 8 & 9 of Pirelli GT4 America at Road America

Friday, August 18, 2023
12:00 PM – Practice 1
5:15 PM – Practice 2

Saturday, August 19, 2023
10:25 AM – Qualifying Driver 1
10:40 AM – Qualifying Driver 2
5:00 PM – Race 1

Sunday, August 20, 2023
10:55 AM – Race 2

*All times CDT

Follow Parker through the weekend @parkertracing on social media channels and at parkerthompsonracing.com/live.
Watch races live via SROMotorsports YouTube or Twitch channels.

Thompson and Hattori Secure Victory in Michelin Pilot Challenge Debut at CTMP

Jul 10, 2023

Thompson and Hattori Secure Victory in Michelin Pilot Challenge Debut at CTMP

BOWMANVILLE, ON, CANADA

In an electrifying debut, Alberta native Parker Thompson won this weekend as IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge visited Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Driving the No. 50 Weins Auto Group GR Supra GT4 EVO for Hattori Motorsports, Thompson earned the first-place starting position in qualifying and, alongside teammate Billy Johnson, shone throughout the two-hour race to gain the race victory.

As the team familiarized themselves with the GR Supra GT4 EVO race car and the historic Ontario road course, both drivers showed a middling performance in practice sessions on Friday. In qualifying however, the No. 50 GR Supra demonstrated new pace as Thompson clocked an impressive 1:22.334 second lap in the early minutes of the session. When the session was red-flagged due to a collision, the timing sheet showed the blue, red, and white No. 50 in pole position by more than half a second margin.

When the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park 120 contest started on Saturday afternoon, Thompson continued to lead all entries. Through 37 laps, he created a thirteen-second margin over the field before entering the pits and handing the No. 50 off to Billy Johnson.

Johnson rejoined the race, finding himself in a tight battle for the lead with the No. 95 Turner Motorsports BMW, who had made up considerable time in the pits. Although he would surrender the lead early in his stint, Johnson kept the No. 50 Weins Auto Group GR Supra within striking distance, applying pressure to the leader. He would take the checkered flag in second place. In post-race inspections however, officials found that the leading No. 95 had violated series regulations. The resulting penalties critically awarded the victory to Thompson and the Hattori Motorsports squad.

The result is Thompson’s first win in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, and one that caps off a recent string of outstanding performances for the young Canadian. “Winning at CTMP this weekend is such a great achievement for our team,” said Thompson. “This was my first weekend in Michelin Pilot Challenge, and it was also the first meeting for Billy, myself, and the Hattori Motorsports team. We set the bar high for ourselves here. The team at Weins Auto Group put together a strong effort to celebrate their 50th anniversary in front of a home crowd. It’s so satisfying to reach our goal and give them the win they deserve. On top of that, I’m proud to have helped Toyota earn its first win in the Michelin Pilot Challenge series. The GR Supra GT4 EVO is proving to be one of the most well-rounded cars in the GT4 category. I’m honored to help them earn the top accolade in this series.”

For Thompson, the performance marks two consecutive IMSA race weekends where he has celebrated first place. Just two weeks ago, he was part of a GTD class victory at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen with Lexus Racing USA and Vasser Sullivan. Further proving his versatility and performance, in 2023, Thompson has now celebrated wins in three series with three Toyota race cars. In May, he earned a Silver-class victory in Pirelli GT4 America with the Hanley Motorsports No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO. That is where Thompson will return to action next, when that series visits Road America, August 18-20.

More Details:

IMSA.com
Hattorimotorsports.com
Weins Auto Group

Images credit @sidelinesportsphotography