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High Hopes as Thompson and Vasser Sullivan Racing Head to Sebring

Mar 11, 2023

High Hopes as Thompson and Vasser Sullivan Racing Head to Sebring

SEBRING, FLORIDA

Parker Thompson’s 2023 race season enters its second stage next week as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship heads to Sebring International Raceway (March 16-18). Following his appearance at the Rolex 24 at Daytona early this year, Thompson continues his role as endurance specialist, joining Vasser Sullivan Racing and teammates Aaron Telitz and Frankie Montecalvo. The driver trio will take on the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, piloting the black and yellow No. 12 SealMaster Lexus Racing USA entry in GTD class. 

Set on a World War II-era airfield, The 6.0-km Sebring road course is arguably the most punishing circuit on the IMSA schedule. Known for churning bumps and heavy braking zones, Thompson and Vasser Sullivan will lean on a Lexus RC F GT3 racecar that has been thoroughly developed through four seasons of IMSA endurance competition.

In January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, Thompson and the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan crew executed a clean race and challenged the front of the 23-car GTD field, ultimately finishing in fifth place. After a promising series test at Sebring last month, the team will look to move up the rankings when the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring launches on March 18th at 10:10 AM EST. 

“Coming off a great first outing, I expect that the No. 12 SealMaster Lexus Racing USA machine at Vasser Sullivan will be Challenging for a win at Sebring! With a new car, a new series, and even a new track at Daytona, the team around me has been incredible in helping me get up to speed. Now I’ve had more time in the car, and we are heading to a track I know well! I can’t wait for another crack at North America’s bumpiest track. You always have to respect the rugged surface at Sebring, but I was shocked at how good our Lexus was during testing. Compared to other cars I’ve driven at Sebring, it was much easier to keep the car composed through turns 1 and 17. I’ll work hard with our Vasser Sullivan team to ensure I can still say the same thing on race day. Let’s go win a silver platter!” – Parker Thompson

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 
Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Thursday, March 16, 2023
10:10 AM EST – Practice 1
3:50 PM EST – Practice 2
7:45 PM EST – Practice 3

Friday, March 17, 2023
8:55 AM EST – Practice 4
9:15 AM EST – Qualifying

Saturday, March 18, 2023
8:00 AM EST – Warm Up
10:10 AM EST – Race Start

For flag-to-flag coverage of the event visit IMSA.TV. Follow Parker throughout the weekend at https://parkerthompsonracing.com/live

Thompson Earns Fifth-place finish in IMSA WeatherTech Debut at Rolex 24

Feb 1, 2023

Thompson Earns Fifth-place finish in IMSA WeatherTech Debut at Rolex 24

The 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship launched this past weekend as 61 entries in five classes joined the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Parker Thompson made his debut in the series, joining Vasser Sullivan Racing to help pilot the number 12 Lexus RC F GT3 to a fifth-place finish in GTD class.

The 24-year-old Canadian split driving duties with teammates Kyle Kirkwood, Aaron Telitz, and Frankie Montecalvo, completing an incident-free race. Among twenty-three GTD class entries, the squad lead a total of 26 laps. In the final hour, they battled closely with the front of the field, rising to as high as second position before delivering the yellow and black number 12 to the checkered flag in fifth position.

The result indicates a strong debut for Thompson, who commanded the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 for over five hours on track and even led all GTD entries during his first stint. All throughout the Rolex 24 weekend, Thompson demonstrated excellent pace, placing at the front of the field during practice sessions. In the context of the 24-hour race, Thompson emphasized the importance of managing his pace and working as part of a driver team.

Parker Thompson:
“I’m so honored to join Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA here at the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona. We may have had our sights set on a better finish, but from top to bottom, I’m proud of our effort and the role that I played. From a new race car, new track, new team, and new series format, I had a lot to learn leading up to this race. The crew and driver team at Vasser Sullivan did an incredible job helping me adapt and get comfortable.

SealMaster and Lexus Racing USA were out in full force, hosting hundreds of guests throughout the weekend. I had a lot of fun joining their festivities. There is no doubt that Jimmy and Sulli have put together an outstanding team, and I’m wholeheartedly thankful for this opportunity. I am excited to take all I learned here this weekend and apply to the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 17th.”

Images credit Sideline Sports Photography

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.

Parker Thompson To Drive For Vasser Sullivan In All 2023 IMSA Endurance Races

Dec 19, 2022

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.