Parker Thompson chased a podium finish admirably at the end of the Indy Pro 2000 season.
In the championship race weekend in Monterey, Cali., Thompson started fourth and finished fourth in the opening race, then captured second place in the final race, after starting from the 10th spot.
That meant a third overall finish on the circuit for the 21-year-old Red Deer product.
“Coming into the weekend we knew that we weren’t going to be leaving with the big trophy, so it was important for us to find another way to have a big impact,” he said in a press release.
“We’re in a constant battle to go faster and move up. Starting the final race from tenth didn’t leave me a lot of options. It was a hard-fought race and one that we got rewarded for. I’m proud to have made another deep run for a Road to Indy Championship with a rookie team.”
There’s not many times where I am lost for words, but last night was definitely one of those times. Not only did we take home 3rd in the @IndyPro2000 Driver and Team Championship, but I was honored to receive three other awards during the #RoadToIndy Banquet. 🏆#TeamCooperTire pic.twitter.com/DcRoCOVICk
— Parker Thompson (@parkertracing) September 24, 2019
Thompson started the Indy 2000 year with wins in the opening two races and ended the season with eight podiums, which earned him 300 points and a third-place finish on the circuit.
At the year-end awards banquet, Thompson also collected three additional honours. He was given the Tilton Hard Charger Award, Hi-Tide Kids on Track Spirit Award and AiM Sports Move of the Year.
The last on the list was given for a slick overtake maneuver, with fans selecting Thompson’s move in turn four at the Honda Indy Toronto.
The Tilton Hard Charger award was for his ability to “repeatedly navigate upwards through the field during race action”. During the year, he totaled 35 passes, seven more than any other racer.
“When Abel Motorsports and I got together at the beginning of the year, we had our sights set on a Championship win,” Thompson said in a press release.
“Anytime that you don’t take home the top prize, there is going to be a hint of disappointment. That said, I’m proud of what we accomplished this year as a new team on the Road to Indy.”
Thompson will race this weekend in Quebec in the Porsche GT3 Cup Canada finale.
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