PR: Parker Thompson Claims Super Pole at WSK Euro Series

Coming off his first European karting victory, Canadian born Parker Thompson and his Energy Corse team would travel to the International Circuit Napoli in Sarno, Italy for the third round of the WSK Euro Series. Riding a wave of high confidence, Thompson continued with his impressive string of results scoring a top-five result in the ultra competitive KFJ division. Not only did that continue his string of top-five finishes for the European rookie, Thompson also claimed the ‘Super Pole’ and would line up for all of his heat races from inside row one.

“Coming off of a huge career victory for me, my confidence was up heading into the weekend,” explained Thompson. “I am no longer searching for juristic better ways to drive the kart; it is to the point where it is more about fine-tuning my driving style for the soft tires and KF engine package.”

After progressing through the practice sessions showing the speed to compete, the team and Thompson were able to test a lot more setups due to the quick times right out of the box. Testing new stuff almost every session is a good way to get ahead of the competition and Energy is working hard to ensure they stay ahead of the curve.

Thompson proved to be fast when official qualifying got underway as he quickly was seen at the pointy end of the field in his group of drivers. Able to turn the second quickest circuit of the session, Thompson would advance to the Super Pole group, and would be one of only a handful of drivers to battle in an all-out session for the permanent front row starting position throughout his heat races. Flexing his muscles and showing the speed of his TM powered Energy Corse chassis, Thompson managed to claim the Super Pole.

Thompson continued, “I can’t even describe how amazing claiming the Super Pole felt, it was kind of a personal thing. Everyone on my program knew I could race, but didn’t think I had the raw speed yet in qualifying. Before I went out the last words I was told was, ‘I know Super Pole isn’t your thing, so just aim for top five.’ Boy did I prove them wrong!”

With four heat races on the docket to determine the starting position for the prefinal, Thompson would look to turn his speed into some solid results. Claiming a second place result in heat one, the second wheel-to-wheel session did not go as well for the Canadian as he fell back to sixth. Looking for redemption in heat three, Thompson went on to claim the victory and better his chances for a front of the field starting position in the prefinal races. Heat four would be a disastrous one for the Energy Corse pilot. With a fast kart, Thompson fell to the tail of the field in corner three due to contact from another competitor. Showing his speed and determination to drive forward, the Super Pole winner would advance to the twelfth position before the checkered flag would fly.

With the combined results from the heat races setting the grid, Parker would start his heat race from outside row two in the fourth position. With the outside row not known for getting great starts, Thompson would fall back to eighth before refocusing and driving forward to claim fourth.

“We had unbeatable pace in the prefinal, but just due to the outside start position there wasn’t much I could do. Everyone ran close times and when you are far behind the leading group, it is near impossible to make up ground when they are drafting and you are alone,” added Thompson.

Advancing to the main event and starting from the eighth position due to his fourth place result in the prefinal, Thompson would get a great jump on the start, getting to the inside and slotting himself in the seventh position. With the top KFJ drivers running similar times, passing was difficult as drivers held station for the majority of the event. Able to gain a few positions on the final laps when drivers began to jostle for positions, Thompson would advance to fourth, before falling to fifth at the finish line.

Adding another top-five to his already incredible season, Thompson was happy with the weekend’s results. Showing the race craft to compete on the European karting scene and having the speed to claim the Super Pole position is a potent combination and Thompson and his Energy Corse squad are looking forward to the remainder of 2013 and will be gunning for podium results and race wins.

Parker would like to thank his current supporters and partners: Energy Corse Factory, GFR Engines, TM Racing, Tillotson Carbs, Racing Against Cancer, Panigada Transport, Tillett Racing Seats, RLV, Douglas Wheels, Newline Racing Products, Bell Racing Helmets, Sparco, CanadianKartingNews.comand Sylvan Lake RV.

For more information on Parker Thompson including partnership opportunities, please visit him online at www.ParkerThompsonRacing.com or Parker Thompson Racing on Facebook and Twitter @parkertracing.