Parker Thompson To Drive For Vasser Sullivan In All 2023 IMSA Endurance Races
CONCORD, NC
Parker Thompson is pleased to announce that he will join Vasser Sullivan Racing to compete for the team in the 2023 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup. Thompson will co-drive the SealMaster liveried No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 entry alongside Aaron Telitz and Frankie Montecalvo in all four Endurance Cup events beginning with the Rolex 24 at Daytona followed by the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen and the Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
Parker Thompson:
“I can’t thank Sulli and Jimmy Vasser enough for this opportunity. They’ve put together an amazing group of engineers and crew members. I’m very proud to drive the Lexus brand and represent both them and Vasser Sullivan in 2023. I’m looking forward to making my professional WeatherTech debut. My first impression of the Lexus RC F GT3 after driving it during our recent test is it’s pretty awesome. It has a lot of horsepower on the bottom end and you’ve got to make sure you watch the rear tires. It’s a really cool car and has a lot more weight in the front than I’m used to driving, but nothing I can’t adapt to. It’s got a steering wheel, four wheels and a motor. I’m really looking forward to my first Rolex 24 at Daytona in January.”
Vasser Sullivan Team Principals Jimmy Vasser and James ‘Sulli’ Sullivan:
“We’ve had a close eye on Parker for two years. After getting to know him, and witnessing his work ethic and accomplishments throughout various ladders series, it’s clear to Vasser Sullivan Lexus, this is a great home for Parker to take the next step in his career. Coming off the Petit win in the No.14 car, we’re hungry to add the No.12 car to the top step of the podium.
The Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 entries return to the track in the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on January 20-22 to prepare for the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona, January 28-29.
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.