Yahoo Autos Vasser Sullivan switches roles for GTD drivers; Thompson moves to full-time
Vasser Sullivan is switching the roles for two of its drivers in the No. 12 GTD-class Lexus RC-F in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Parker Thompson, previously the endurance addition, and Frankie Montecalvo will be the full-season drivers. Aaron Telitz, who has partnered with Montecalvo for the past two seasons, will be the third driver in the endurance races.
Thompson will be competing in his second season for Vasser Sullivan and Lexus. He moves into the full-time position after driving all the endurance races for the team last year. Thompson has consistently won in every championship series in which he has competed since 2015.
In 2021 and 2022, Thompson competed full-time in the IMSA Porsche Carrera Cup North America series. He placed third in the 2021 championship and won the championship in 2022. In just his third race with the team, he co-drove the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus with Montecalvo and Telitz to victory at Watkins Glen.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be racing in IMSA WeatherTech GTD full-time in 2024 with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus,” said Thompson. “After a decade of grinding my way up the ladder, it is a dream come true to earn a full-time position in this world-renowned sports car championship with such an esteemed team.
“The opportunity to continue to represent Vasser Sullivan and Lexus is something I don’t take lightly. I’m hungrier than ever to build off the success we had last year, especially when I get to drive with a stud like Frankie Montecalvo all season long!”
Montecalvo will be contesting his sixth season with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus in the IMSA GTD class. In 2019, he co-drove the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 to a second place showing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Montecalvo had a breakout season in 2020, capturing his first IMSA win (Road America) and first IMSA poles (Grand Prix of Sebring and Grand Prix at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta).
In five seasons with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus, Montecalvo has scored two victories and four poles. Telitz will also be returning for his sixth IMSA season with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus in the IMSA GTD class. He ran endurance races for the team in 2019 before becoming a full-time driver in 2020. During the 2020 season, Telitz teamed with Hawksworth to win the GTD Sprint Cup Driver, Team and Manufacturer championships. In four IMSA seasons with Vasser Sullivan and Lexus, Telitz has earned five wins and five poles.
“We’re thrilled to have three race-winning drivers back with Vasser Sullivan in the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 for the 2024 season,” said Jeff Bal, Senior Manager, Motorsports, Experiential Marketing & Sponsorships for Lexus.
“Aaron and Frankie have both been key partners of ours behind the wheel of the RC F GT3, and we’re excited to see a young, up-and-coming talent like Parker competing full-time in the Lexus next season. All three drivers were a part of the program’s historic double win at Watkins Glen last season and we’re confident they will chase more wins and the GTD class championship in 2024.”
