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Thompson Takes Full-Season Role with Vasser Sullivan for 2024 IMSA Season

Nov 20, 2023

Thompson Takes Full-Season Role with Vasser Sullivan for 2024 IMSA Season

CHARLOTTE, NC

After a successful IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut with Vasser Sullivan in 2023, Parker Thompson will move to a full-season role with the team in 2024. Thompson and teammate Frankie Montecalvo will drive the SealMaster liveried No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 entry in all IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD events. Aaron Telitz will join the duo for endurance contests.

The twenty-five-year-old Canadian is coming off a 2023 season where he contended four endurance events with the team, helping pilot the black, yellow, and green No. 12 to top-five finishes in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Sebring 12-Hour, while taking victory at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen. Thompson’s talent was also on display in GT4 categories. He earned the GR Supra GT4 EVO its first IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge victory at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in his series debut. He was also part of winning efforts at Circuit of the Americas and Sebring International Raceway in Pirelli GT4 America with Hanley Motorsports.

For Thompson, earning a full-season role with Vasser Sullivan and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship marks a significant step forward in his racing career.

Parker Thompson:

“I couldn’t be prouder to be racing in IMSA WeatherTech GTD full-time in 2024 with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus. After a decade of grinding my way up the ladder, it is a dream come true to earn a full-time position in this world-renowned sports car championship with such an esteemed team. The opportunity to continue to represent Vasser Sullivan and Lexus is something I don’t take lightly. I’m hungrier than ever to build off the success we had last year, especially when I get to drive with a stud like Frankie Montecalvo all season long! It’s also fantastic to have proven winner Aaron Telitz join us for the endurance rounds, and keep the continuity that led to the team’s successful finish in 2023. It’s incredible how fast your career can change when you are surrounded by good people, and you can’t find a better group of people than Sulli, Jimmy, Jeff Bal, and all of the men and women behind our Lexus RC F GT3. I can’t thank them enough. It’s time to give everything I have to fight for a Championship in 2024!”

The Vasser Sullivan squad returns to the track January 19-21 with the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Thompson, Montecalvo, Telitz, and the No. 12 GTD entry will run alongside the defending GTD Pro Champion No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 of Jack Hawksworth, Ben Barnicoat, and Kyle Kirkwood. Hopes are high for Vasser Sullivan and partner Lexus Racing USA as they look to build on the successes of their 2023 season. 

Vasser Sullivan Team Principals Jimmy Vasser and James’ Sulli’ Sullivan:

“We are competing for championships, and Parker, Frankie, and Aaron will co-drive the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus in our fight for the 2024 IMSA GTD class championship. Consistency is the nucleus of our GTD Championship bid, and we’ve got that here with these drivers who are all winners.” 

Jeff Bal, Senior Manager – Motorsports, Experiential Marketing & Sponsorships – Lexus Division

“We’re thrilled to have three race-winning drivers back with Vasser Sullivan in the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 for the 2024 season. Aaron and Frankie have both been key partners of ours behind the wheel of the RC F GT3, and we’re excited to see a young, up-and-coming talent like Parker competing full-time in the Lexus next season. All three drivers were a part of the program’s historic double win at Watkins Glen last season and we’re confident they will chase more wins and the GTD class championship in 2024.” 

ABOUT VASSER SULLIVAN

Vasser Sullivan Racing is owned by 1996 INDYCAR Champion, Jimmy Vasser and Dallas businessman James “Sulli” Sullivan. Vasser Sullivan is the reigning IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Champions, having clinched the 2023 GTD Pro Driver, Team, and Manufacturer Championship together with Lexus. Vasser Sullivan and Lexus have been partners since 2019, amassing an impressive record of 13 wins, 39 podium finishes and 18 pole positions in their five-year partnership.

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 major INDYCAR wins including being crowned 2013 Indianapolis 500 champions.

Vasser and Sullivan together have won the IMSA GTD Pro Championship, the GTD Sprint Cup title, The Indianapolis 500, Petit Le mans, Watkins Glen Six Hours, medaled at the ESPN X-Games (Rallycross) and secured second and third place finishes at the famed Rolex 24 at Daytona.

 

About Lexus

The Lexus RC F GT3 enters its eighth season in the GTD class, and third year in the GTD PRO category, competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Over the last six seasons, Lexus and Vasser Sullivan have combined to earn 13 wins, 39 podium finishes and 18 pole positions with the RC F GT3. Lexus won its first full-season IMSA GTD PRO Manufacturers Championship on the strength of two wins and podium positions in nine of 11 races in 2023.

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 eight models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

Thompson Continues Upward Trend with Remarkable 2023 Season

Oct 17, 2023

Thompson Continues Upward Trend with Remarkable 2023 Season

After coming out on top in Carrera Cup North America last year, Parker Thompson showed no signs of suffering a championship hangover in 2023. The twenty-five-year-old Canadian followed up his championship season with standout performances in top-tier sportscar series. Joining the Toyota family, he drove the Lexus RC F GT3 and Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO to victories in three series with three teams. At times, Thompson dominated his competitors, solidifying his position in sports car racing’s upper echelon and arguably delivering the most successful season of his career to date.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE 2023 SEASON:

  • 18 Total Races: Thompson competed in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with Vasser Sullivan Racing, the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with Hattori Motorsports, and the SRO Pirelli GT4 America with Hanley Motorsports.
  • 4 Race Victories and 5 Podiums: With wins in each series, Thompson claimed four race wins. He stood on the podium five times, with seven top-five finishes. 
  • Lightning Pace: Behind the wheel of a GR Supra GT4 EVO, Thompson posted the top time in five qualifying sessions (earning three pole starts) and set the fastest race lap in three contests.
VASSER SULLIVAN RACING AND IMSA WEATHERTECH:

Thompson’s season began in January at the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA. Alongside teammates Telitz, Montecalvo, and Kirkwood, Thompson excelled in the globally recognized GT3 contest, helping the black, yellow, and green No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 earn a fifth-place finish in GTD. 

Thompson joined Vasser Sullivan for all four IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship endurance stops. At the Sebring 12 Hour, he set the No. 12’s best lap time as the team earned another fifth-place finish. At Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, an outstanding stint by Thompson established a significant margin for the race lead, putting his team in a commanding position to claim victory.

DEBUT WIN IN IMSA MPC WITH HATTORI MOTORSPORTS:

Thompson found instant success in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, piloting the No. 50 Hattori Motorsports, Weins Auto Group GR Supra GT4 EVO alongside Billy Johnson. On his native ground, at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Thompson earned the pole position and established a dominant lead through the first half of the two-hour contest. Johnson took over for the second half, and when the dust settled, the No. 50 came out on top. The result marked the first IMSA race victory for the Toyota GR Supra race car.

HANLEY MOTORSPORTS – FULL SEASON GT4 CAMPAIGN:

Joining forces with Robert Hanley, Thompson launched a new Hanley Motorsports team to take on Pirelli GT4 America with the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO. Thompson led and mentored rookie co-driver Daniel Hanley, and the duo had an immediate impact on the series. Thompson earned the top time in seven official sessions throughout the season, starting from pole position twice and earning the Crowdstrike Fastest Lap award three times. The Hanley Motorsports team captured their first Silver-class race win at Circuit of the Americas in May, then took overall victory at Sebring in September.

After his triumphs in 2023, Thompson looks to continue his progression. With a new race season and January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona rapidly approaching, Thompson is hard at work, focused on claiming a premier North American sports car championship.

 

IN THOMPSON’S OWN WORDS:

“After the year I had in 2022, I had the highest expectations for this season. It did not disappoint! That said, there have been moments of uncertainty where I wasn’t sure which direction my career would lead. First, I must thank Jimmy and ‘Sulli’ of Vasser Sullivan for putting me in the Lexus Racing No. 12 RC F GT3. As demonstrated by their GTD Pro Championship win this season, they’ve assembled an outstanding team. I would be honored to play a role in their future endeavors. In Pirelli GT4 America, Rob Hanley put tremendous faith in me to help launch the Hanley Motorsports team and mentor his son, Daniel. I’m proud to have won in every race car I drove this year. That said, winning races is only part of winning championships. Whatever happens in 2024, earning another series title will be at the top of my mind!”

Thompson Readies for IMSA Showdown at Motul Petit Le Mans

Oct 11, 2023

Thompson Readies for IMSA Showdown at Motul Petit Le Mans

ATLANTA, GA

Parker Thompson is gearing up for an exciting finale of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The young Canadian is back behind the wheel of the No. 12 Lexus Racing USA RC F GT3 of Vasser Sullivan Racing. He will join Aaron Telitz and Frankie Montecalvo at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta for the Motul Petit Le Mans, reuniting the team that secured victory in the GTD class at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen earlier in the season. They aim to replicate their success in the upcoming 10-hour endurance race this weekend.

Held at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the Motul Petit Le Mans marks the fourth and final round of the Michelin Endurance Cup (MEC), a specialized championship within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, focusing on endurance rounds. The ten-hour Motul Petit Le Mans takes center stage this weekend with an 11:40 AM EDT start on Saturday.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Jimmy and “Sulli” of Vasser Sullivan Racing for the opportunity to join their team for this iconic event. We’ve had great results together, including a win earlier this season at Watkins Glen. This weekend, I’m focused on supporting Aaron, Frankie, and the entire No. 12 Lexus Racing USA crew, hoping to close out the 2023 season in the best possible way.” – Parker Thompson

Activities on track run from Thursday through Sunday, with a packed weekend schedule also featuring season finale events in the Michelin Pilot Challenge, VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, and Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup. Those looking to take in all the race action at Motul Petit Lemans Qualifying can follow along at IMSA.TV. IMSA’s live streaming platform will broadcast all ten hours of Saturday’s race to viewers outside the United States. Within the United States, the big race will be available live on Peacock Premium.

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.  

Event Information

2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 
Motul Petit Le Mans

Thursday, October 12, 2023
9:50 AM – Practice 1
2:35 PM – Practice 2
7:30 PM – Practice 3

Friday, October 13, 2023
3:20 PM – Qualifying

Saturday, October 14, 2023
8:45 AM – Warm Up
11:40 AM – Race Start

*All times EDT

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