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

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

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.

Thompson Earns Double Pole Position at VIR in Drama-Filled Event with Pirelli GT4 America

Thompson Earns Double Pole Position at VIR in Drama-Filled Event with Pirelli GT4 America

ALTON, VA

Parker Thompson and Hanley Motorsports navigated a challenging weekend at the Pirelli GT4 America series at VIRginia International Raceway, marked by significant highs and lows. Despite an accident with Daniel Hanley and the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO during Practice 2, the team rallied. Thompson shouldered the load of both drivers, achieving a double pole position in qualifying.

Thompson set qualifying times of 1:52.479 sec and 1:52.588, sec with his best time coming in Race 2 qualifying, just 0.008 seconds ahead of the next fastest competitor. Unfortunately, his remarkable performance was later ruled invalid due to a technical issue concerning the team’s backup car and series-mandated in-car performance monitoring systems. This ruling led to a decision by Hanley Motorsports to withdraw from the event before the start of racing action.

Following these developments, Parker Thompson had this to say:

“Earlier today, I was thrilled to qualify on pole position for both races in Pirelli GT4 America here at VIR. Due to a technical issue with the series mandated performance monitoring system on our backup car, our times were unfortunately invalidated after the session.

Hanley Motorsports and I thought we had all this sorted out and cleared before we started qualifying, but the officials saw it differently. The consequence of that is that I’m not out there racing right now. I’m really gutted not to be going any further this weekend, but racing is a team sport and I stand by Hanley Motorsports in their decision to withdraw.

This weekend has been one for the books. From the emotions of Daniel’s crash yesterday, a late night at the hospital while the team was getting our spare car race-ready, and early morning working with series staff to sort through our plans and intentions, it’s been a whirlwind! Despite all this, I’m incredibly proud of the performance we showed on track today. We may not get the chance to build on our pole starts this weekend, but I have no doubt that future success awaits all of us at Hanley Motorsports.”

Thompson and Hanley Clinch Silver Class Victory at COTA in Pirelli GT4 America

Thompson and Hanley Clinch Silver Class Victory at COTA in Pirelli GT4 America

AUSTIN, TX

Following their launch mere weeks before the season opener at Sonoma, Hanley Motorsports showcased their mettle in Rounds 5 and 6 of Pirelli GT4 America at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Drivers Parker Thompson and Daniel Hanley drove the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO to their first class victory in the series.

Consistently demonstrating strong performance, Thompson and Hanley marked season-best results through all sessions on track during the COTA weekend. Thompson secured a front-row grid position for the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO, placing 2nd overall and first in the Silver class. Daniel Hanley ranked in the top ten overall during Practice laps on Friday morning and Race 1 Qualifying.

In Race 1, Hanley and the No. 999 avoided early race turmoil and maintained a strong position near the front of the 41-car GT4 field. Thompson took the wheel of the white, red, orange, and yellow Toyota at the halfway point of the contest and pushed hard to secure a 7th place overall finish (6th in the Silver category).

Race 2 featured a commanding display from Hanley Motorsports. Thompson took an early overall lead, and the team successfully maintained the Silver class lead following the pit stop and transition to Daniel Hanley. The 19-year-old rookie held his own amidst stiff competition in a second-half stint dominated by yellow flags and an eventful race restart. On that restart, Hanley showcased a  good jump on the field and a strong move on the inside of turn one that put the Hanley Motorsports No. 999 into second overall and also crucially, just ahead of a collision that took out second place competitors in both the Silver and Pro-Am classes. With an extensive clean-up required, Hanley’s overall position and silver-class lead were uncontested as the field drove to the finish under yellow.

Team owner Robert Hanley expressed his satisfaction with the weekend’s outcome, “We’re thrilled with the team’s performance this weekend. Earning a strong points finish in Race 1, and a class win in Race 2 is a testament to our commitment and the exceptional talents of our drivers, engineer, and crew. We hope to build on our success here when we head to Virginia International Raceway next month.”

Driver Daniel Hanley echoed these sentiments: “It’s been a great weekend. I’m so grateful for all the hard work and support that our team has shown. It’s starting to show on the results sheet! I couldn’t be more excited about the direction we’re heading.”

Parker Thompson emphasized the team’s efforts. “I’m immensely proud of our success as a group. As a mentor to Daniel, it’s been incredible to see his rapid growth. I said going in that COTA might be the most challenging circuit on the GT4 America schedule. For us to perform as we did here is a testament to our potential. So much of that comes from the exceptional work of our engineer Geoff Fickling. Our crew, Ryan, John, and Neil, always have the No. 999 ready for battle. The people at Toyota Gazoo Racing and TRD USA have developed a very well-rounded race car. Our team focus doesn’t change – keep trending up. We’re looking for our next victory.”

Hanley Motorsports and Pirelli GT4 America move to Virginia International Raceway for Rounds 7 & 8 next month, June 16 – 18.

Parker Thompson Shows Brilliant Pace in Challenging Weekend at NOLA with Pirelli GT4 America

Parker Thompson Shows Brilliant Pace in Challenging Weekend at NOLA with Pirelli GT4 America

NEW ORLEANS, LA

Parker Thompson displayed exceptional talent this weekend at NOLA Motorsports Park in his second weekend with Hanley Motorsports and Pirelli GT4 America. Piloting the No. 999 GR Supra GT4 EVO, the 25-year-old Canadian, showcased outstanding pace despite inclement weather and penalties.

Thompson, a versatile driver with experience in multiple North American series, set a dominant lap in Practice 1 on Friday, demonstrating his skill and potential from the factory Toyota GT4 race car. In Qualifying, he secured an impressive second-overall starting position for Race 2.

Heavy rains on Saturday forced the postponement of Race 1 to Sunday morning where, Thompson’s teammate and rookie driver Daniel Hanley started in the 18th position. At the halfway point of the 60-minute contest, Hanley pitted from 29th and handed driving duties off to Thompson. Exhibiting remarkable pace and determination, Thompson advanced to P15 in the first four laps of his stint. Ultimately he brought the white, red, orange, and yellow No. 999 to the finish line in 11th place overall and 5th in the Silver category.

Unfortunately, a pit stop violation was assessed to Hanley Motorsports after the team’s mandatory stop and driver change did not meet the minimum time requirement. The resulting penalty dropped their entry to 35th overall (7th in class). Changes to the weekend schedule due to weather also forced the cancellation of Race 2, where Thompson and Hanley Motorsports would have started in second place among the 42-car field. That starting position would have granted him an opportunity he has not yet seen in the Pirelli GT4 America series.

Despite the challenges faced at NOLA Motorsports Park, Thompson remains optimistic and focused on demonstrating improvement. “The Hanley Motorsports GR Supra GT4 EVO was exceptionally fast out there. Toyota Gazoo Racing North America and TRD USA have put together an amazing car that shows great pace and flexibility on the track. My personal training efforts and experiences so far in 2023 are paying off, and I think that was on display here this weekend. As a team, we’re feeling a bit unlucky, but we know we also have to make our own luck. There is a great group of people behind the No. 999, and we’re all going to put our heads down and keep pushing,” said Thompson. “We’ll regroup and be even more threatening next round at COTA.”

Pirelli GT4 America returns to action with Rounds 5 & 6 of the 2023 season taking place at Circuit of the Americas on May 19-21. Thompson and Hanley Motorsports have their sights set on the upcoming event, hoping to build on the promising pace they displayed at NOLA Motorsports Park.

More info:

https://hanleymotorsports.com
https://www.gt4-america.com