0 Items

Parker Thompson rejoins Hanley Motorsports for 2024 Pirelli GT4 America campaign

Feb 15, 2024

Parker Thompson rejoins Hanley Motorsports for 2024 Pirelli GT4 America campaign

DENVER, CO After a strong debut in Pirelli GT4 America last season, Parker Thompson will return to the series with Hanley Motorsports in 2024. The team will reunite Thompson with co-driver Daniel Hanley and #999 Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Supra GT4 EVO Silver-class entry. Returning with an unchanged lineup, Hanley Motorsports looks to build on a 2023 season where they lead sixty-three race laps, earning one overall victory, two class wins, and three class podiums in twelve races. For the new year, they have set their sights on the Silver-class season championship. Team owner Robert Hanley shared confidence in the team and their targets for the new season. “In 2023, we made a late decision to form a team and join Pirelli GT4 America. Despite having minimal preparation, our group performed exceptionally out of the gate. By the end of the season, we felt like we were among the best in the field. I’m excited that we are returning this year with a team that is virtually unchanged. From our drivers to our crew, having key individuals return gives us the best chance to build on the progress we made in our first year. It also demonstrates each individual’s belief that our team can find the next level. I expect we will challenge the best in this Pirelli GT4 America series and fight for the championship title.” Parker Thompson was a big part of the team’s success in its rookie year, bringing experience to the group and exceptional performance on track. In 2023 with Hanley Motorsports, the Canadian earned two pole positions and three Crowdstrike Fast Lap awards. Thompson’s talent behind the wheel has been broadly recognized. In January, he earned pole position in class at the Daytona 24 Hour with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA. Thompson is excited to return to Hanley Motorsports and Pirelli GT4 America, highlighting the competitive environment and advantages of GT4 machinery.
“Pirelli GT4 American continues to be one of the most competitive sports car championships on the continent. We saw some great competition at the front of the field last year and fully expect that to continue in 2024. It was rewarding to work closely with Daniel and see him grow in his first year of racing. We’ve continued to work together through the off-season and gotten to the point where I can challenge him, and he can challenge me right back. The Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO has been a riot to drive. It’s a very well-rounded race car. That makes it a great platform for driver development, and it puts us in the mix at every track we visit. Altogether, we’re in a promising position in the Silver-class.” After starting 2023 with virtually zero experience, Daniel Hanley begins his sophomore season confidently. The twenty-year-old showed poise and pace under pressure throughout his rookie year, closing races at Sebring and Circuit of the Americas in the lead position. Daniel shared hopes for further growth individually and as a team. “I think every member of Hanley Motorsports is entering the year with a new outlook. We’ve learned a lot about the Pirelli GT4 America format, and in turn, we feel like we understand better what it will take to win a championship. Our lineup look’s the same; our car look’s the same, but expect a better Hanley Motorsports team this season.” The team is gearing up for a 2024 season that will feature thirteen races at seven American tracks, starting with Sonoma Raceway, where Parker and Daniel will launch their championship effort with a doubleheader weekend April 5-8.
2024 PIRELLI GT4 AMERICA SEASON SCHEDULE

April 5-7, 2024 – Sonoma Raceway, Rounds 1 & 2
May 3-5, 2024 – Sebring International Raceway, Rounds 3 & 4
May 17-19, 2024 – Circuit of the Americas, Round 5
July 19-21, 2024 – Virginia International Raceway, Rounds 6 & 7
August 16-18, 2024 – Road America, Rounds 8 & 9
September 6-8, 2024 – Barber Motorsports Park, Rounds 10 & 11
October 4-6, 2024 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Rounds 12 & 13

More info at https://gt4-america.com and https://hanleymotorsports.com

Thompson and Hanley Motorsports Deliver Win, Pole and Fastest Lap at Sebring

Sep 26, 2023

Thompson and Hanley Motorsports Deliver Win, Pole and Fastest Lap at Sebring

SEBRING, FL

Hanley Motorsports showed exceptional performance in a tightly fought #GTSebring battle that saw three different manufacturers win in three races. Parker Thompson, teammate Daniel Hanley, and the Hanley Motorsports No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO clenched victory in the weekend’s opening race, earned a podium in the second, and started from pole position in the third. With their result, Hanley Motorsports and the GR Supra GT4 EVO continue to represent a premier force in the Pirelli GT4 America series.

The weekend began with a victory as Thompson started on the front row in Friday afternoon’s NOLA makeup race. The Canadian driver took the lead early on, clocked the fastest lap, and established a comfortable margin for the No. 999 through the first half of the contest. Daniel Hanley took over at the halfway mark and cleanly drove to the checkered flag.

Qualifying for two official Sebring races took place on Saturday morning, where the team earned its best overall starting positions to date. Daniel posted the 6th best time overall in Qualifying 1 (5th in Silver class), while Thompson took the outright pole position in Race 2.

Rookie Daniel Hanley had a strong start in Saturday’s Race, impressively challenging the competitors ahead of him while preserving his car and position. Thompson continued the effort in the latter half of the contest, momentarily taking the race lead and ultimately finishing third place overall.

On Sunday morning, Thompson lined up on the pole versus a thirty-three-car GT4 field. The twenty-five-year-old was challenged early on when the No. 51 entry of Kenton Koch stole the lead in the opening corner. Thompson battled Koch for eight laps before recapturing first position. Daniel took the wheel and maintained the lead for several laps before the pressures of close battle and Florida heat took a toll on his tires, dropping him into the grips of the lead pack. Ultimately, the team was assessed a drive-thru penalty for a pit-lane speed infraction. The violation dropped the No. 999 to 8th overall and 6th in Silver.

Thompson was ecstatic about the team’s performance. “Our first overall win, our third and fourth podiums, and a pole position make this the best weekend ever for Hanley Motorsports and our GR Supra GT4 EVO. From start to finish, we were right at the front in each race. That says a lot about the progress of my teammate, Daniel Hanley. He’s less than 12 months into his racing career, but there is no doubt that he fits in at the front of this Pirelli GT4 America field. Despite our strong performance, when we review our performance this weekend, I know we’ll find some things we could have done even better. I expect our Toyota to be in an even stronger position in two weeks when the series visits my home track, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”

The 2023 Pirelli GT4 America season closes October 6-8 with two races on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Thompson and Hanley will look for maximum impact, expanding their growing collection of trophies in the series.

Images credit Bob Chapman / Autosport Image

Thompson Powers Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO to Pole, Podium and Fastest Lap at Road America

Aug 22, 2023

Thompson Powers Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO to Pole, Podium and Fastest Lap at Road America

ELKHART LAKE, WI

Parker Thompson’s prowess was on full display this weekend at Road America in the SRO Pirelli GT4 America series. The Canadian standout earned Hanley Motorsports and the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO a pole position start for Race 2 and the Crowdstrike Fastest Lap award as the team achieved a Silver-class podium finish.

The action-packed weekend saw Thompson and teammate Daniel Hanley skillfully navigate a contentious thirty-four-car GT4 field. Despite numerous on-track incidents and limited green flag action, Thompson’s skill and the impressive pace of the Hanley Motorsports GR Supra shone through. Thompson quickly adapted to the recently re-paved, 4.0-mile Road America circuit. In Practice 2, he clocked the session’s fastest lap. When Driver 2 Qualifying results were abandoned due to a red flag, the twenty-five-year-old’s best practice lap earned Hanley Motorsports the pole position for Race 2.

In Race 1 on Saturday afternoon, Thompson’s stint was again impacted by incidents on track. Teammate Daniel Hanley started from the 15th position and made significant progress early in the race. Thompson took the wheel at the halfway point but only saw one lap of green flag action. He drove the No. 999 to the checkered flag under yellow, 10th overall and fifth in class.

On Sunday morning, Thompson showcased his pace when Race 2 began. Starting first on the grid, he accomplished an exceptional start, pulling a gap on former Carrera Cup North America rival Kay Van Berlo in the second position. Thompson dominated the field through the contest’s first half, clocking the race’s fastest lap and establishing a 7-second margin over second place. An unfortunate pit stop mishap during the driver change led to a fierce fight at the front for Daniel Hanley and the No. 999. Ultimately, the team secured a fourth-place finish overall and third in the Silver class.

Thompson’s performance was pleased with his performance and the team’s effort. “The Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO consistently proves its potential in this Pirelli GT4 America series. Road America is a special track for me, and I’m happy to secure the fastest lap and help earn the team another podium finish. Daniel’s progress through his rookie year is impressive. Not only is he showing improved pace with each consecutive weekend, but he’s also looking fierce and calculated during race action. I’m excited about our potential as the end of the 2023 season approaches.”

The Pirelli GT4 America series will resume action at Sebring International Raceway (September 22-24), featuring a three-race schedule that includes a make-up race after a cancellation due to weather at NOLA Motorsports Park. The season ends at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, October 5-8.

Parker Thompson Ready to Take on Road America with Hanley Motorsports and Pirelli GT4 America

Aug 14, 2023

Parker Thompson Ready to Take on Road America with Hanley Motorsports and Pirelli GT4 America

Elkhart Lake, WI

After standout performances in IMSA race series through June and July, Parker Thompson is gearing up to return to action with SRO and Pirelli GT4 America. He’ll join teammate Daniel Hanley, piloting the No. 999 Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO as the series visits Road America this weekend, August 18th-20th.

Though the Pirelli GT4 America series has been on break since its June visit to VIRginia International Raceway, Thompson has been anything but idle. Since that time, he earned race victories in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA, and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with Hattori Motorsports and Toyota Gazoo Racing North America. Combine these victories with his Silver-class triumph in May at the Circuit of the Americas in the SRO GT4 series, and its clear that the young Canadian is a formidable force in his rookie season with the Toyota sports car family.

Thompson holds high hopes for his return to “America’s National Park of Speed.” The 4-mile Wisconsin circuit, with its storied history spanning over six decades, has played a pivotal role in Thompson’s career. “From the track itself to the atmosphere of the region, Road America is always one of my favorite places to race. It’s been home to some of my career’s most memorable battles and wins.”

Thompson and teammate Hanley will share driving duties in two one-hour races scheduled on Saturday and Sunday, and hopes are high. Thompson reflected, “While our team has faced challenges earlier in the season, that doesn’t deter our ambitions. Road America offers a perfect opportunity for us to have a big impact.”

 

Event Schedule

Races 8 & 9 of Pirelli GT4 America at Road America

Friday, August 18, 2023
12:00 PM – Practice 1
5:15 PM – Practice 2

Saturday, August 19, 2023
10:25 AM – Qualifying Driver 1
10:40 AM – Qualifying Driver 2
5:00 PM – Race 1

Sunday, August 20, 2023
10:55 AM – Race 2

*All times CDT

Follow Parker through the weekend @parkertracing on social media channels and at parkerthompsonracing.com/live.
Watch races live via SROMotorsports YouTube or Twitch channels.

Thompson and Hattori Secure Victory in Michelin Pilot Challenge Debut at CTMP

Jul 10, 2023

Thompson and Hattori Secure Victory in Michelin Pilot Challenge Debut at CTMP

BOWMANVILLE, ON, CANADA

In an electrifying debut, Alberta native Parker Thompson won this weekend as IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge visited Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Driving the No. 50 Weins Auto Group GR Supra GT4 EVO for Hattori Motorsports, Thompson earned the first-place starting position in qualifying and, alongside teammate Billy Johnson, shone throughout the two-hour race to gain the race victory.

As the team familiarized themselves with the GR Supra GT4 EVO race car and the historic Ontario road course, both drivers showed a middling performance in practice sessions on Friday. In qualifying however, the No. 50 GR Supra demonstrated new pace as Thompson clocked an impressive 1:22.334 second lap in the early minutes of the session. When the session was red-flagged due to a collision, the timing sheet showed the blue, red, and white No. 50 in pole position by more than half a second margin.

When the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park 120 contest started on Saturday afternoon, Thompson continued to lead all entries. Through 37 laps, he created a thirteen-second margin over the field before entering the pits and handing the No. 50 off to Billy Johnson.

Johnson rejoined the race, finding himself in a tight battle for the lead with the No. 95 Turner Motorsports BMW, who had made up considerable time in the pits. Although he would surrender the lead early in his stint, Johnson kept the No. 50 Weins Auto Group GR Supra within striking distance, applying pressure to the leader. He would take the checkered flag in second place. In post-race inspections however, officials found that the leading No. 95 had violated series regulations. The resulting penalties critically awarded the victory to Thompson and the Hattori Motorsports squad.

The result is Thompson’s first win in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, and one that caps off a recent string of outstanding performances for the young Canadian. “Winning at CTMP this weekend is such a great achievement for our team,” said Thompson. “This was my first weekend in Michelin Pilot Challenge, and it was also the first meeting for Billy, myself, and the Hattori Motorsports team. We set the bar high for ourselves here. The team at Weins Auto Group put together a strong effort to celebrate their 50th anniversary in front of a home crowd. It’s so satisfying to reach our goal and give them the win they deserve. On top of that, I’m proud to have helped Toyota earn its first win in the Michelin Pilot Challenge series. The GR Supra GT4 EVO is proving to be one of the most well-rounded cars in the GT4 category. I’m honored to help them earn the top accolade in this series.”

For Thompson, the performance marks two consecutive IMSA race weekends where he has celebrated first place. Just two weeks ago, he was part of a GTD class victory at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen with Lexus Racing USA and Vasser Sullivan. Further proving his versatility and performance, in 2023, Thompson has now celebrated wins in three series with three Toyota race cars. In May, he earned a Silver-class victory in Pirelli GT4 America with the Hanley Motorsports No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO. That is where Thompson will return to action next, when that series visits Road America, August 18-20.

More Details:

IMSA.com
Hattorimotorsports.com
Weins Auto Group

Images credit @sidelinesportsphotography