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Near Victory after performance from Thompson and the #12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus at Road America

Aug 5, 2024

ELKHART LAKE, WI

Race Summary:

  • Parker Thompson and Vasser Sullivan teammate Frankie Montecalvo had a strong drive in the SealMaster liveried No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus, contending for a win in the IMSA SportsCar Weekend at Road America. A late-race pit stop for a splash of fuel dropped them from the lead position to finish 11th in the GTD class.
  • Montecalvo qualified ninth and drove the opening stages of the race. Montecalvo, advanced to fourth position before handing the car over to Thompson at the halfway mark.
  • Thompson worked to save fuel the entire time he was in the car. He battled his way into second place on merit, inheriting the lead as the team’s pit-stop strategy played out.
  • Unfortunately, the team’s fuel-saving gamble fell short when the race, plagued by numerous caution periods, failed to produce one in the closing minutes. The No. 12 was forced to enter the pits for a splash of fuel, dropping them to 11th position, where they finished.

Parker Thompson:
“I don’t know what to say about that race. We didn’t need the yellows that came; as they did, we needed one more lap of yellow, and we were going to win our first GTD race together at a very special track for the Vasser Sullivan program and Lexus Racing. Kudos to my teammate, Frankie Montecalvo. He drove an awesome first stint after not having a strong start and put the car in a prime position, and the pit stand did an awesome job working through some adversity to have us in a position to take a nice win. We’re going to take this one on the chin and move on. I think I’ve said that too many times, but I know the results are coming, and everyone knows we’re here, so let’s keep grinding and see what we can do the remainder of the season.”

UPCOMING IMSA WEATHERTECH SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

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.