PR by: Mike Maurini/Race Tech Development
Continuing to post impressive results in the European karting scene, Canadian pilot Parker Thompson was back in action this past weekend. Taking on the fourth round of the WSK Euro Series at the Karting Genk International Circuit in Belgium with the Energy Corse factory team, the rising talent would once again be near the top of the time sheets. Battling changing weather conditions throughout the weekend, Thompson again made an appearance in the Super Pole session and earned another podium result in his debut season racing in Europe.
“The Karting Genk International Circuit was absolutely fantastic in a driver’s perspective!” explained Thompson. “It was an extremely fun layout to drive. The track design and structure is in my opinion one of, if not the best in Europe.”
Thompson’s enthusiasm over the Genk facility was evident during the KFJ qualifying session, as the multi-time Team Canada member was able to score the pole position against 80 of Europe’s top drivers. With a gap of two-tenths to the next fastest time, Thompson firmly made it into the elusive Super Pole session. Entering the session with two previous Super Pole wins to his credit, Thompson missed out on the trifecta due to a less than perfect lap and a slight miss in his set-up. One-tenth off pole time, Thompson would end up fourth overall.
Putting on a strong showing in his heat races, as Thompson would emerge victorious in two and earn another top-five result, the Energy Corse driver was on his game in Genk. A mistake in the first heat led to a 12th place result, and with the points tabulated Thompson would start on the preferred inside line in fifth for the prefinal A race.
In what could have been a front row starting position for the final, Thompson ended the race fourth and would line up seventh once the two prefinal results were combined.
“I was in second position the whole race until the closing laps where we fell off a bit compared to our competitors,” continued Thompson. “It definitely wasn’t my best drive either by any means. I should have got aggressive and fended them off in the closing laps. They took advantage of it and I came home fourth.”
Utilizing his lightning quick Energy kart in the final, Thompson moved into third on the first lap but was soon aggressively overtaken and dropped back to ninth. As his surrounding competitors tried to make up ground, the Canadian pilot found himself going five-wide in corners where a singlewide pass is tricky. Making smart decisions to break away from the battling group, Thompson moved up to third and pulled off yet another podium result.
“In the final the chassis was nothing but the norm, very fast!” concluded Thompson. “The engine was spot on and if it wasn’t for the mad scramble in the opening lap I think I would have had a fair chance to win the race! Even though we had enough for a win I’m glad I recovered and took a well-deserved podium finish!”
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.com and 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.
