Parker Thompson reaches podium three times in Toronto

Competing in two series during the same event presented a variety of challenges not typical of most race weekends.

“There is a lot of work and preparation that goes into every single session we do on the race track,” shred Thompson. “Balancing two different series this weekend would never have been possible without incredible support from my teams, Abel Motorsports [Indy Pro 2000] and Sports Car Boutique [IMSA GT3 Canada].

“Getting the maximum out of two very different cars was a tremendous challenge. The Porsche GT3 Cup Car, and the Tatuus PM-18 Indy Pro 2000 car are not only very different in size and handling characteristics, but they also require a very different strategy and approach during race action. Going back and forth between vehicles, and jumping straight into race pace really tested my concentration and ability to remember key markers and set-up notes for this very unforgiving Streets of Toronto track.

The first of three podium finishes came with Abel Motorsports in Indy Pro 2000, where Thompson maneuvered his way from starting seventh up to a third place finish.

Race two in Indy Pro 2000 featured a relentless duel between Thompson and championship leader Rasmus Lindh. Thompson would make a final pass in turn three of the Toronto street course, and hold off Lindh for the remainder of the race to earn a second place finish.

In GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, Thompson began Race 1 from seventh position after a heavy rain prior to race start created conditions that challenged a variety of drivers and teams. Thompson executed four passes in the first seven laps on his way to another third place finish.

In Race 2 of GT3 Canada, a rare mistake from Thompson saw his Porsche make contact with a tire wall in turn eight. Continuing the race from the back of the field, a lengthy yellow flag resulting from a crash allowed Thompson to rejoin the main group and eventually finish fifth.

“This was probably my most stressful weekend of racing ever, but I’m overjoyed by our results,” Thompson shared. “In these two highly competitive series, I always feel blessed to stand on the podium. Doing that three out of four times this weekend feels like a huge achievement.”

This incredible weekend marked the 100th race of Thompson’s young career. He has earned 55 podiums and 26 race wins in those 100 races since 2015. In 2019, he has won a third of his races, and placed on the podium more than three quarters of the time.

After one weekend off, Thompson will resume his busy schedule on July 26 with three consecutive race weekends in Indy Pro 2000, IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, and the Canadian Touring Car Championship. He is currently second place in overall championship standings for Indy Pro 2000 and GT3 Canada, and he is leading the Canadian Touring Car Championship GTS standings.

(With file from Parker Thompson Racing – Quentin Osborne)

by rdnewsNOW staff

Parker Thompson reaches podium three times in Toronto

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