Early Penalty Derails Vasser Sullivan No. 12’s Bid to Win at VIR

ALTON, VA

For Parker Thompson and the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan GTD entry, the weekend at VIR showed early promise. Teammate Jack Hawksworth earned pole position in qualifying for the Michelin GT Challenge, putting the team in prime position to score a strong result as the championship battle intensified with just three races remaining.

Any hopes for a straightforward race were upended on the opening lap. Hawksworth was assessed a drive-through penalty while trying to maintain the class lead and navigate back-marker traffic in the GTD Pro field. The setback sent the No. 12 to the rear, turning the two-hour and forty-minute sprint into a battle for recovery.

Hawksworth ran the first two stints before handing off to Parker Thompson, who made up ground in the closing stages to bring the team home in ninth.

“Obviously a disappointing day for our Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 team,” said Thompson. “I’m already looking ahead, and we’ll focus on what we can do to have a great run at Indianapolis.”

The team now sits fourth in the GTD season standings with two rounds to go. Next up: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, September 20–22.