Hattori to Run Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO for Thompson, Johnson

Photo: Hattori Motorsports

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team Hattori Motorsports will make its IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge debut this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, fielding a Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO for Parker Thompson and Billy Johnson.

Founded by former open-wheel driver Shigeaki Hattori, the North Carolina-based operation has previous sports car racing experience from a limited-season campaign in Pirelli GT4 America with the same car.

“In just a few short meetings with Shigeaki and the rest of the team, I feel like we have the right ingredients for a special performance,” said Thompson, who is coming off his maiden IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship victory at Watkins Glen.

“I can appreciate Shige’s early career experiences in open-wheel racing, and how he’s built an outstanding legacy with the Toyota brand that spans multiple series.

“The chance to contribute to that legacy, even if it’s just for a single race weekend, is something I don’t take lightly.”

Johnson, meanwhile, moves over from Archangel Motorsports for the new drive with Hattori.

“I’m excited to be driving the No. 50 Weins Auto Group Hattori Motorsports Supra GT4 EVO at CTMP with Parker,” said Johnson.

“It’s great to be competing in a Toyota at this level having driven them early in my career at Import-tuning Time Attack events in southern California.

“Mosport is such a great track to drive and I feel like we have a strong team, car, and driver lineup to be in contention for a win.”

No word has been given if CTMP is currently a one-off for the team or if additional Pilot Challenge races are planned this season.

A total of 35 cars are entered for Saturday’s two-hour Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 120, which sees several driver changes since Watkins Glen, including Kyle Marcelli aboard the No. 88 Archangel Aston Martin Vantage GT4 alongside Todd Coleman.

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