Exclusive Autosport retains Thompson, graduates to Pro Mazda

Exclusive Autosport scored three USF2000 wins with Thompson last year, the team’s first on the MRTI and Thompson’s second. Those results mean Thompson has scored seven wins over the past two years in the series.

Exclusive Autosport has now signed the 19-year-old Canadian to lead its expansion into Pro Mazda.”

Michael Duncalfe, team principal said: “We are thrilled to welcome Parker back to the Exclusive Autosport program for 2018. I couldn't think of a better driver to make our debut in Pro Mazda Championship with.

“He is an incredibly well rounded athlete and a fan favorite. I have said it before, Parker's work ethic on and off the track is second to none. Whether it's training at the gym, working on his marketing campaign or continuing his development as a driver, he invests so much of himself into his racing program/career.

“Although we feel we have some unfinished business [in USF2000 where Thompson finished third in the drivers’ championship, Exclusive was fourth in the teams’ championship], we made huge strides last year and it is such a positive that we get to build on that success and momentum from 2017.”

Thompson also ran with the operation’s Formula 1600 program last year, winning the F1600 Super Series on the strength of seven wins in 11 races

The team statement says Exclusive “is planning to run a pair of cars in the Pro Mazda Championship and hopes to be able to announce its second driver by the end of February.”

Thompson said: “It's not often when a driver has the opportunity to work with the same group of guys in back-to-back years, and I want to capitalize on this relationship. Getting to work with a veteran engineer like Tim Lewis and crew chief Jay Green developing this new Pro Mazda is going to be game changer.

“Anything but a championship this year will not be acceptable.”