All eyes will now be on racing star Parker Thompson after finishing second overall in this season’s US F2000.
The 18-year-old from Red Deer finished with 373 points just back of Australia’s Anthony Martin, 21, who finished with 394 points.
Thompson fell just short of receiving a scholarship valued at US $378,000 from Mazda for next year’s Pro Mazda Championship – the next step up on America’s ‘Road to Indy.’
It’s only Thompson’s second year racing formula cars and he is competing against guys much older than him. Finishing so close to the top is something Thompson is happy with.
“For me to even be in contention for the championship is definitely something to be proud of. It was a pretty fantastic season and I made a lot of good memories,” said Thompson.
Thompson scored four wins and led the series in podium finishes and laps led.
His final win of the year came in at the Toronto Indy. It was an incredible feat and extra special because it was the only race they had in Canada, he said.
“First thing that went through my mind was to take it all in. We only get to race in Canada once a year so I wanted to make sure I soaked up all the feelings of winning in front of people who were genuinely excited to see a fellow countrymen win,” said Thompson.
At the season-end awards banquet, held in Monterey, California, Parker was honoured for several achievements, beginning with his position as the 2016 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda Vice-Champion.
Thompson was also awarded with the Royal Purple Slickest Pass Award thanks to his daring overtaking manoeuvre on teammate Anthony Martin at Toronto.
Thompson is confident heading into next season and plans on taking that next step in his career.
“A big part of my success so far has been a humble confidence in myself. To know I can get the job done behind the wheel and off the track,” said Thompson.
Up next for Thompson’s racing career is a trip to England where he will represent his country as the driver for the Team Canada Scholarship program. It’s part of the world-renowned Formula Ford Festival at the iconic Brand Hatch that takes place in late October.
jonathan.guignard@www.reddeeradvocate.com