Thompson Celebrates First IMSA WeatherTech Victory at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen  

Thompson Celebrates First IMSA WeatherTech Victory at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen  

WATKINS GLEN, NY

Parker Thompson stood on top of the podium in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on Sunday after the #12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus Racing RC F GT3 clinched victory in GTD class at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen.

At the hands of Parker Thompson, Aaron Telitz, and Frankie Montecalvo, the yellow and black SealMaster Lexus RC F, adorned with green GTD class highlights, showcased exceptional performance throughout the weekend. The car topped the highly competitive GTD field in practice on Saturday morning before Telitz secured a second-place starting position in qualifying.

Vasser Sullivan flawlessly executed their race plan for the No. 12 team throughout the six-hour contest, splitting drive time between Thompson and veterans Telitz and Montecalvo. Thompson’s time behind the wheel began at the 3-hour mark. With a robust, steady pace, and commendable overtaking, Thompson enabled the No. 12 to establish a dominant presence at the front of the field through the race’s final hours. On the final restart Thompson was able to make a move into the first corner to put the number 12 in the lead. There was no looking back after that as he built an impressive cushion over second place. After Thompson’s stint, Telitz confidently carried the momentum to the checkered flag, earning his first podium and victory in the celebrated IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The victory also marks the first win for the #12 machine in this 2023 season. Significantly, the Lexus Racing USA #14 GTD PRO entry of Vasser Sullivan also won its class. That allows the team, and manufacturer Lexus, a full sweep at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen—a feat not lost on Thompson.

“I am so thankful for the faith that Jimmy and Sulli have placed in me. It’s not easy putting a rookie in your car in this day and age,” Thompson explained. “When I joined Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA, I knew we were going to share days like this together. The performance of the No. 12 here stems from the hard work of each and every member of our team, but it’s even more exciting to see it align with a victory from Jack and Ben in the No. 14. In my mind, there was never any doubt that our group would find this type of success together. Since joining sports car racing, earning a place among the IMSA WeatherTech field has been my primary goal. Now, winning here feels like a major achievement. I expect that it will be the first of many. I am excited about rejoining Aaron, Frankie, and the team at Road Atlanta.”

The Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta (October 20-22) is the traditional finale for the IMSA race season and a pinnacle event in sports car racing. Leading up to that event, Thompson will undoubtedly work to further hone his skills, aiming for maximum impact to close the 2023 season.

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.

Thompson Reunites with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA for Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen

Thompson Reunites with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA for Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen

WATKINS GLEN, NY

After one hundred days, Parker Thompson is primed to return to IMSA racing in the 2023 Michelin Endurance Cup. He will join the No. 12 GTD entry of Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen this Sunday, June 26th. He last raced the group’s black, yellow, and green Lexus RC F GT3 in March during the Twelve Hours of Sebring. Alongside teammates Aaron Telitz and Frankie Montecalvo, Thompson aims to build upon top-five finishes at endurance races earlier this year at Sebring and Daytona.

Since his Sebring stints, Thompson has kept active, piloting a different Toyota family race car. Driving the No. 999 Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO, he has demonstrated impressive pace throughout the first half of the Pirelli GT4 America season. Thompson and teammate Daniel Hanley claimed a Silver class victory at COTA last month, and Thompson led the field with two pole position times during qualifying at VIRginia International Raceway last weekend.

The potent GTD class Lexus RC F GT3 and the diverse multi-class field of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship represent a distinct challenge. The extended stints of the Michelin Endurance Cup require careful management of racing traffic and consistency. Thompson’s past record at the famed 5.5 km, 11-turn Watkins Glen International includes sprint races in USF2000 (2017) and Carrera Cup North America (2021 & 2022), achieving a best finish of third. Now, with the accomplished team at Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA, Thompson is optimistic his recent experiences can contribute to a team victory.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the No. 12 Sealmaster Lexus Racing USA RC F GT3 of Vasser Sullivan this weekend. Aaron, Frankie, and the entire team have had a strong year so far, and I’m eager to help them continue that trend at Watkins Glen. Since my first outing with the team at Daytona in January, I’ve received incredible support from Jimmy, Sulli, my teammates, and the entire Toyota family. This has certainly elevated my skill behind the wheel and deepened my understanding of our sport. I’m committed to doing whatever I can to support the team as we aim for a win this Sunday!” – Parker Thompson.

A full schedule of IMSA races begins on track this Friday, culminating in the 2023 Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen on Sunday at 10:35 AM EDT. For more details, visit imsa.com, or follow @parkertracing on social media and parkerthompsonracing.com/live.

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 
Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen

Friday, June 23, 2023
4:30 PM – Practice 1

Saturday, June 24, 2023
8:00 AM – Practice 2
1:20 PM – Qualifying 

Sunday, June 25, 2023
10:35 AM – Race Start

Thompson Earns Double Pole Position at VIR in Drama-Filled Event with Pirelli GT4 America

Thompson Earns Double Pole Position at VIR in Drama-Filled Event with Pirelli GT4 America

ALTON, VA

Parker Thompson and Hanley Motorsports navigated a challenging weekend at the Pirelli GT4 America series at VIRginia International Raceway, marked by significant highs and lows. Despite an accident with Daniel Hanley and the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO during Practice 2, the team rallied. Thompson shouldered the load of both drivers, achieving a double pole position in qualifying.

Thompson set qualifying times of 1:52.479 sec and 1:52.588, sec with his best time coming in Race 2 qualifying, just 0.008 seconds ahead of the next fastest competitor. Unfortunately, his remarkable performance was later ruled invalid due to a technical issue concerning the team’s backup car and series-mandated in-car performance monitoring systems. This ruling led to a decision by Hanley Motorsports to withdraw from the event before the start of racing action.

Following these developments, Parker Thompson had this to say:

“Earlier today, I was thrilled to qualify on pole position for both races in Pirelli GT4 America here at VIR. Due to a technical issue with the series mandated performance monitoring system on our backup car, our times were unfortunately invalidated after the session.

Hanley Motorsports and I thought we had all this sorted out and cleared before we started qualifying, but the officials saw it differently. The consequence of that is that I’m not out there racing right now. I’m really gutted not to be going any further this weekend, but racing is a team sport and I stand by Hanley Motorsports in their decision to withdraw.

This weekend has been one for the books. From the emotions of Daniel’s crash yesterday, a late night at the hospital while the team was getting our spare car race-ready, and early morning working with series staff to sort through our plans and intentions, it’s been a whirlwind! Despite all this, I’m incredibly proud of the performance we showed on track today. We may not get the chance to build on our pole starts this weekend, but I have no doubt that future success awaits all of us at Hanley Motorsports.”

Thompson Looks to Continue Upward Momentum with Strongest Effort of the Season at VIR

Thompson Looks to Continue Upward Momentum with Strongest Effort of the Season at VIR

Alton, VA

With each round of the 2023 Pirelli GT4 America series, Parker Thompson and Hanley Motorsports have shown steady improvements in performance. Piloting the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO alongside rookie driver Daniel Hanley, the team secured their first podium and win at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) last month. As Hanley Motorsports heads to VIRginia International Raceway, Thompson knows that continuing the team’s upward momentum could be their greatest challenge to date. Races 7 & 8 of the 2023 season are scheduled at the historic 17-turn Virginia road course this Saturday and Sunday.

With over forty factory-backed GT4 race cars in the field, Pirelli GT4 America is among the most hotly contested sports car series on the globe. Amongst fierce competition, Thompson and Hanley endured early challenges but have begun to show great form as the season crosses its halfway point. At Circuit of the Americas and the prior round at NOLA Motorsports Park, Thompson placed second overall in Driver 2 qualifying sessions. He leveraged his P2 starting position in Austin to take an early overall race lead, lining the No. 999 up to earn its first class victory.

Now at VIRginia International Raceway this weekend, Thompson will look for a similarly strong performance, identifying that both he and his fellow Hanley Motorsports team members must continue seeking improvements.

“We had a great result at COTA, but at the same time, we’ll need an even greater effort than we showed there to earn our second win of the season! This Pirelli GT4 America series is fiercely competitive, and if we didn’t already, I think we have the attention of the other forty-something entries here. We’re going to give it our all! Daniel’s progress this season is commendable; from top to bottom, everyone at Hanley Motorsports continues to show a hunger for improvement. Our partners at Toyota Gazoo Racing North America and TRD USA have been instrumental in our success. The GR Supra GT4 EVO has proven to be very well-rounded and versatile. I expect it to suit this fast and fun VIR road course well.”

Event Information

Rounds 7 & 8 Pirelli GT4 America at VIRginia International Raceway

Friday, July 16, 2023
Practice 1 – 12:00 pm
Practice 2 – 5:15 pm

Saturday, July 17, 2023
Qualifying 1 – 10:20 am
Qualifying 2 – 10:40 am
Race 1 – 5:15 pm

Sunday, July 18, 2023
Race 2 – 10:55 am

*ALL TIMES EDT

Follow Parker and Hanley Motorsports throughout the weekend, with daily updates on social media channels and live streaming of all race action on YouTube and Twitch. Details are available at PTR Live.

Thompson and Hanley Clinch Silver Class Victory at COTA in Pirelli GT4 America

Thompson and Hanley Clinch Silver Class Victory at COTA in Pirelli GT4 America

AUSTIN, TX

Following their launch mere weeks before the season opener at Sonoma, Hanley Motorsports showcased their mettle in Rounds 5 and 6 of Pirelli GT4 America at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Drivers Parker Thompson and Daniel Hanley drove the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO to their first class victory in the series.

Consistently demonstrating strong performance, Thompson and Hanley marked season-best results through all sessions on track during the COTA weekend. Thompson secured a front-row grid position for the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO, placing 2nd overall and first in the Silver class. Daniel Hanley ranked in the top ten overall during Practice laps on Friday morning and Race 1 Qualifying.

In Race 1, Hanley and the No. 999 avoided early race turmoil and maintained a strong position near the front of the 41-car GT4 field. Thompson took the wheel of the white, red, orange, and yellow Toyota at the halfway point of the contest and pushed hard to secure a 7th place overall finish (6th in the Silver category).

Race 2 featured a commanding display from Hanley Motorsports. Thompson took an early overall lead, and the team successfully maintained the Silver class lead following the pit stop and transition to Daniel Hanley. The 19-year-old rookie held his own amidst stiff competition in a second-half stint dominated by yellow flags and an eventful race restart. On that restart, Hanley showcased a  good jump on the field and a strong move on the inside of turn one that put the Hanley Motorsports No. 999 into second overall and also crucially, just ahead of a collision that took out second place competitors in both the Silver and Pro-Am classes. With an extensive clean-up required, Hanley’s overall position and silver-class lead were uncontested as the field drove to the finish under yellow.

Team owner Robert Hanley expressed his satisfaction with the weekend’s outcome, “We’re thrilled with the team’s performance this weekend. Earning a strong points finish in Race 1, and a class win in Race 2 is a testament to our commitment and the exceptional talents of our drivers, engineer, and crew. We hope to build on our success here when we head to Virginia International Raceway next month.”

Driver Daniel Hanley echoed these sentiments: “It’s been a great weekend. I’m so grateful for all the hard work and support that our team has shown. It’s starting to show on the results sheet! I couldn’t be more excited about the direction we’re heading.”

Parker Thompson emphasized the team’s efforts. “I’m immensely proud of our success as a group. As a mentor to Daniel, it’s been incredible to see his rapid growth. I said going in that COTA might be the most challenging circuit on the GT4 America schedule. For us to perform as we did here is a testament to our potential. So much of that comes from the exceptional work of our engineer Geoff Fickling. Our crew, Ryan, John, and Neil, always have the No. 999 ready for battle. The people at Toyota Gazoo Racing and TRD USA have developed a very well-rounded race car. Our team focus doesn’t change – keep trending up. We’re looking for our next victory.”

Hanley Motorsports and Pirelli GT4 America move to Virginia International Raceway for Rounds 7 & 8 next month, June 16 – 18.

Parker Thompson and Hanley Motorsports Looking for Top Spot as Pirelli GT4 America Visits COTA

Parker Thompson and Hanley Motorsports Looking for Top Spot as Pirelli GT4 America Visits COTA

Austin, TX

Parker Thompson is all set to battle it out at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this weekend for Rounds 5 & 6 of the 2023 Pirelli GT4 America season. Showcasing impressive speed and potential behind the wheel of the Silver category No. 999 Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO throughout early rounds, Thompson is targeting his first victory of the season.

Thompson’s resilience and speed have been undeniable despite challenges in preceding rounds. A standout performance at NOLA Motorsports Park saw him secure second overall in Race 2 Qualifying. In Race 1, he lead an impressive charge through the field, gaining 16 positions during his stint. After an impressive showing in test sessions at Circuit of the Americas last week, Thompson is set to make a mark on the results sheet in races this Saturday and Sunday.

The 5.5-km, 20-turn COTA circuit is often regarded as the most challenging circuit on the continent, but it is one that Thompson has already proven he can conquer. In his only previous visit to the Texas road course, Thompson made a dramatic, final corner, final lap pass to earn his first racing victory of 2021 during the inaugural season of Carrera Cup North America. Armed with that experience and a Hanley Motorsports team that is rounding into form, Thompson is clear about his goal for the weekend. “We’ve shown that we have the speed to challenge the best in this series,” said Thompson. “I’m aiming to put us on the top of the podium at Circuit of the Americas.”

Event Information

Rounds 5 & 6 Pirelli GT4 America at Circuit of the Americas

Friday, May 19, 2023
12:00 PM – Practice 1
5:15 PM – Practice 2

Saturday, May 20, 2023
10:20 AM – Qualifying Driver 1
10:40 AM – Qualifying Driver 2
5:00 PM – Race 1

Sunday, May 21, 2023
10:50 AM – Race 2

**All times CDT

Follow along at parkerthompsonracing.com/live