Thompson to Make GTD Debut in Vasser Sullivan Lexus

Photo: Porsche

Reigning Porsche Carrera Cup North America presented by The Cayman Islands champion Parker Thompson is set for his IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut, having been confirmed at Vasser Sullivan for the four-round Michelin Endurance Cup.

The 24-year-old Canadian will join full-season drivers Aaron Telitz and Frankie Montecalvo at the wheel of the GTD class No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3, replacing Richard Heistand as the endurance pilot.

Vasser Sullivan has yet to announce the team’s fourth driver for next month’s season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Thompson, who was named a Porsche Motorsport North America selected driver for 2023, turned his first laps in the Lexus during a recent test.

A joint statement from team co-owners Jimmy Vasser and James ‘Sulli’ Sullivan said they had a “close eye” on Thompson, who is Silver-rated by the FIA, for the past two years.

“I can’t thank Sulli and Jimmy Vasser enough for this opportunity,” Thompson said. “They’ve put together an amazing group of engineers and crew members.

“I’m very proud to drive the Lexus brand and represent both them and Vasser Sullivan in 2023. I’m looking forward to making my professional WeatherTech debut.

“My first impression of the Lexus RC F GT3 after driving it during our recent test is it’s pretty awesome.

“It has a lot of horsepower on the bottom end and you’ve got to make sure you watch the rear tires. It’s a really cool car and has a lot more weight in the front than I’m used to driving, but nothing I can’t adapt to.

“It’s got a steering wheel, four wheels and a motor. I’m really looking forward to my first Rolex 24 at Daytona in January.”

Vasser Sullivan will also return to the GTD Pro ranks next year with the unchanged full season lineup of Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John