Daytona, FL, USA

The No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3, driven by Parker Thompson, Jack Hawksworth, Frankie Montecalvo, and Kyle Kirkwood, fought valiantly through a challenging 63rd running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Despite their efforts, the team’s race concluded with just four hours remaining, resulting in a 15th-place finish in the GTD class.

Parker Thompson qualified the No. 12 Lexus in an impressive fourth place on the GTD grid, starting the endurance classic on Saturday afternoon. During his opening stint, Thompson showcased the car’s potential before handing it off to Montecalvo as the team worked through their driver rotation.

The No. 12 ran inside the top five during the early hours, but the team encountered adversity during the night. Tire pressure sensor issues required unscheduled pit stops, costing the team valuable laps. Ultimately, an engine mechanical issue forced the team to retire with just hours remaining in the race.

“This was a very tough endurance race,” Thompson said. “Not exactly sure why, but we kept facing adversity. With that, it is time to focus forward, and I can’t wait to get to Sebring for the next one.”

While the result wasn’t what the team had hoped for, Thompson and the entire No. 12 squad are optimistic about the season ahead. With a long IMSA WeatherTech Championship still to come, including the iconic Twelve Hours of Sebring in March, the team remains determined to make their mark in 2025.

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Daytona, FL, USA

Parker Thompson showcased strong pace in qualifying for the 63rd running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, placing the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 fourth on the GTD grid. Thompson’s fastest lap of 1:46.788 around Daytona International Speedway’s 12-turn, 3.56-mile road course secured a promising starting position for the team in the iconic 24-hour endurance race.

“It’s amazing the difference a week can make,” Thompson said after qualifying. “The Roar week did not go how we all hoped it would. Unfortunately, we just didn’t quite have the pace during those practice sessions. But my hats off to Lexus Racing, TRD (Toyota Racing Development), and the entire Vasser Sullivan organization. They worked methodically to make sure our Lexus RC F GT3 had the best chance it could going into the race this weekend. We’ve still got a little bit to find, but from the Roar to where we’re at now going into the Rolex 24, I’m very pleased with a top-five starting position. That’s a win for me. So, hats off to everyone, and I can’t wait to get to work with Jack (Hawksworth), Frankie (Montecalvo), and Kyle (Kirkwood) in the race. It’s going to be a memorable one no matter which way it goes.”

This marks Thompson’s third start at Daytona International Speedway with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA. Last year, Thompson and the No. 12 team demonstrated impressive performance, capturing the GTD pole and remaining competitive for most of the race until an unfortunate pit lane fire forced them to retire and settle for 15th place.

Teaming up with Lexus veteran Jack Hawksworth, endurance ace Frankie Montecalvo, and full-time INDYCAR driver Kyle Kirkwood, Thompson and the No. 12 team are set for a strong showing in the historic endurance event. With the lessons learned from the Roar and their steady improvements, the team is optimistic about their prospects for the long race ahead.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona kicks off Saturday, January 25, at 1:40 PM ET, marking the start of a highly anticipated 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.

Important Links

Vasser Sullivan Racing
Lexus Racing USA
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
@parkertracing on Instagram

Charlotte, NC, USA

Parker Thompson is thrilled to return to Vasser Sullivan and Lexus Racing USA for the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Thompson will pilot the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 full-time in the GTD category alongside Lexus Racing veteran and 2023 GTD PRO champion Jack Hawksworth.

The pairing of Thompson and Hawksworth promises to be formidable in the GTD class. Hawksworth, who boasts 11 victories, 27 podium finishes, and 11 pole positions in his tenure with Lexus Racing, brings an unparalleled level of experience to the No. 12. Meanwhile, Thompson enters his second full-time season with Vasser Sullivan after a 2024 campaign where he was the top qualifier in class with three pole positions (Daytona, Long Beach, Watkins Glen), a race victory at Long Beach, and a podium in the season finale at Road Atlanta.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to join forces with Jack Hawksworth for the 2025 season,” said Thompson. “Jack’s record speaks for itself. Since I joined the Vasser Sullivan squad in 2022, Jack has been a great sounding board and support. I’m looking forward to working with him more closely, pushing together to bring the No. 12 Lexus to the front. After a promising first season in IMSA’s GTD class, I feel ready to challenge for a championship!”

The 2025 IMSA WeatherTech season kicks off in Daytona with the annual Roar Before the 24, January 17-19. For the iconic endurance event, Thompson and Hawksworth will join forces with another pair of Vasser Sullivan veterans – Kyle Kirkwood and Frankie Montecalvo. The foursome is sure to have an impact when the Rolex 24 at Daytona starts Saturday, January 25th at 1:30 PM ET.

Important Links

Vasser Sullivan Racing
Lexus Racing USA
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
@parkertracing on Instagram