AVS, Chase Part Ways with Immediate Effect

AIM Vasser Sullivan has confirmed that Parker Chase will no longer drive for the Lexus GT Daytona squad in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The team announced on Monday that the parties had reached a mutual agreement to part ways with immediate effect, ahead of the season restart at Daytona on July 4.

Chase was due to share the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 with Jack Hawksworth after joining AVS from the Starworks Motorsport Audi operation.

According to a statement from AVS, the 19-year-old will now focus on his studies after changes to the IMSA calendar made the planned full-season program unattainable.

Chase made his debut with AVS in last year’s season-ending Motul Petit Le Mans before signing on as a full-time driver for 2020.

The team has yet to name Hawksworth’s new co-driver for the remainder of the campaign.

“AIM Vasser Sullivan and driver Parker Chase have mutually agreed to part ways for the remainder of the 2020 IMSA WeatherTech GTD season,” read the statement.

“With the changes to the 2020 schedule, Chase needed flexibility in order to best serve his sponsors, as well as continue his education while pursuing his professional racing career.  

“AVS thanks Parker for his efforts and appreciates the respect he has shown both the team and his teammates in making this decision.

“AVS and its stakeholders wish him the best as he continues to pursue his racing career and education.”