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Thompson Celebrates First IMSA WeatherTech Victory at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen  

Jun 26, 2023

Thompson Celebrates First IMSA WeatherTech Victory at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen  

WATKINS GLEN, NY

Parker Thompson stood on top of the podium in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on Sunday after the #12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus Racing RC F GT3 clinched victory in GTD class at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen.

At the hands of Parker Thompson, Aaron Telitz, and Frankie Montecalvo, the yellow and black SealMaster Lexus RC F, adorned with green GTD class highlights, showcased exceptional performance throughout the weekend. The car topped the highly competitive GTD field in practice on Saturday morning before Telitz secured a second-place starting position in qualifying.

Vasser Sullivan flawlessly executed their race plan for the No. 12 team throughout the six-hour contest, splitting drive time between Thompson and veterans Telitz and Montecalvo. Thompson’s time behind the wheel began at the 3-hour mark. With a robust, steady pace, and commendable overtaking, Thompson enabled the No. 12 to establish a dominant presence at the front of the field through the race’s final hours. On the final restart Thompson was able to make a move into the first corner to put the number 12 in the lead. There was no looking back after that as he built an impressive cushion over second place. After Thompson’s stint, Telitz confidently carried the momentum to the checkered flag, earning his first podium and victory in the celebrated IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The victory also marks the first win for the #12 machine in this 2023 season. Significantly, the Lexus Racing USA #14 GTD PRO entry of Vasser Sullivan also won its class. That allows the team, and manufacturer Lexus, a full sweep at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen—a feat not lost on Thompson.

“I am so thankful for the faith that Jimmy and Sulli have placed in me. It’s not easy putting a rookie in your car in this day and age,” Thompson explained. “When I joined Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA, I knew we were going to share days like this together. The performance of the No. 12 here stems from the hard work of each and every member of our team, but it’s even more exciting to see it align with a victory from Jack and Ben in the No. 14. In my mind, there was never any doubt that our group would find this type of success together. Since joining sports car racing, earning a place among the IMSA WeatherTech field has been my primary goal. Now, winning here feels like a major achievement. I expect that it will be the first of many. I am excited about rejoining Aaron, Frankie, and the team at Road Atlanta.”

The Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta (October 20-22) is the traditional finale for the IMSA race season and a pinnacle event in sports car racing. Leading up to that event, Thompson will undoubtedly work to further hone his skills, aiming for maximum impact to close the 2023 season.

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.

Thompson Reunites with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA for Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen

Jun 21, 2023

Thompson Reunites with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA for Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen

WATKINS GLEN, NY

After one hundred days, Parker Thompson is primed to return to IMSA racing in the 2023 Michelin Endurance Cup. He will join the No. 12 GTD entry of Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen this Sunday, June 26th. He last raced the group’s black, yellow, and green Lexus RC F GT3 in March during the Twelve Hours of Sebring. Alongside teammates Aaron Telitz and Frankie Montecalvo, Thompson aims to build upon top-five finishes at endurance races earlier this year at Sebring and Daytona.

Since his Sebring stints, Thompson has kept active, piloting a different Toyota family race car. Driving the No. 999 Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO, he has demonstrated impressive pace throughout the first half of the Pirelli GT4 America season. Thompson and teammate Daniel Hanley claimed a Silver class victory at COTA last month, and Thompson led the field with two pole position times during qualifying at VIRginia International Raceway last weekend.

The potent GTD class Lexus RC F GT3 and the diverse multi-class field of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship represent a distinct challenge. The extended stints of the Michelin Endurance Cup require careful management of racing traffic and consistency. Thompson’s past record at the famed 5.5 km, 11-turn Watkins Glen International includes sprint races in USF2000 (2017) and Carrera Cup North America (2021 & 2022), achieving a best finish of third. Now, with the accomplished team at Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA, Thompson is optimistic his recent experiences can contribute to a team victory.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the No. 12 Sealmaster Lexus Racing USA RC F GT3 of Vasser Sullivan this weekend. Aaron, Frankie, and the entire team have had a strong year so far, and I’m eager to help them continue that trend at Watkins Glen. Since my first outing with the team at Daytona in January, I’ve received incredible support from Jimmy, Sulli, my teammates, and the entire Toyota family. This has certainly elevated my skill behind the wheel and deepened my understanding of our sport. I’m committed to doing whatever I can to support the team as we aim for a win this Sunday!” – Parker Thompson.

A full schedule of IMSA races begins on track this Friday, culminating in the 2023 Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen on Sunday at 10:35 AM EDT. For more details, visit imsa.com, or follow @parkertracing on social media and parkerthompsonracing.com/live.

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 
Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen

Friday, June 23, 2023
4:30 PM – Practice 1

Saturday, June 24, 2023
8:00 AM – Practice 2
1:20 PM – Qualifying 

Sunday, June 25, 2023
10:35 AM – Race Start

Thompson and Vasser Sullivan No. 12 Take 5th at Sebring

Mar 22, 2023

Thompson and Vasser Sullivan No. 12 Take 5th at Sebring

Sebring, FL

 

Parker Thompson, Aaron Telitz, and Frankie Montecalvo drove the No. 12 SealMaster Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 from 19th place to finish fifth in GTD class at the 2023 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. 

The black, yellow, and green No. 12 showed excellent pace throughout practice sessions leading up to Saturday’s endurance contest. That strength carried into Qualifying, where team leader Aaron Telitz earned a 3rd-in-class starting position. When racing action began, the team held their position near the front of the field until an early refueling infraction and drive-through penalty dropped them to nineteenth place. 

 Sebring International Raceway lived up to its torturous and unforgiving reputation. With fifty-three entries in five different classes, negotiating traffic on the 6.0km, 17-turn road course presented challenges for all drivers. With numerous scrapes and dents, the No. 12 machine displayed the effects of hard battle but managed to avoid critical incidents as its three drivers worked their way through the 20-car GTD field.

The team leaned on Thompson and his current focus on IMSA endurance events. He completed 99 laps and earned the entry’s fastest lap time. Near the 10-hour mark, Thompson turned the car over to Telitz, who deftly navigated major incidents in the final laps to bring the car home fifth in GTD.

Parker Thompson:

“The No. 12 Vasser Sullivan crew showed real strength at Sebring and is in a great position to fight for the top spot as the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season progresses. My main objective for the weekend was to keep the car on track and in one piece, giving Aaron and Frankie the best possible chance at a win. On the Sebring road course, that is no small feat. There is no doubt that it takes a little bit of luck to make it to the finish, but from our penalty to mechanical repairs, the team did an incredible job of adjusting and adapting. I’m so proud to have played a role in the effort and look forward to rejoining the team in New York in June for Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen.”

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.

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.