New Beginnings … Parker Thompson and Billy Johnson will be making history this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (CTMP) as the duo make the inaugural start in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for Hattori Motorsports. Thompson and Johnson will be driving the No. 50 Weins Auto Group Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO. The much anticipated debut will happen this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in the two hour timed event.
While Hattori currently fields one entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the resurgence of the GT4 program will feature drivers Parker Thompson and Billy Johnson piloting the team’s Toyota GR Supra EVO with support from Weins Auto Group. Hattori Motorsports will be running the number 50 at the event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Weins Auto group. Weins Auto Group opened its doors in 1973 in nearby Markham Ontario as Don Valley North Toyota. Since their inception, Weins Auto Group has grown to be one of the largest automotive groups in Canada.
CTMP Info: Located roughly one hour from downtown Toronto, set in the rolling hills and lush countryside of Ontario, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) is the legendary home of motorsport in Canada. Formerly known as Mosport, the track was opened in 1961 as Canada’s second ever purpose built racing facility. The first, Westwood, sadly no longer exists, making CTMP the oldest and most revered racing circuit in Canada.
Tune In … Peacock TV has complete coverage of the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park 120 at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park beginning with green flag coverage on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 pm ET. Stay connected with the No. 50 Weins Auto Group team by following @HattoriMTSP on Twitter, @hattori_motorsports on Instagram, and Hattori Motorsports on Facebook.
The drivers on CTMP
“I am honored by the opportunity to join Hattori Racing Enterprise in the Toyota GR Supra for IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park this weekend. Any race north of the border feels like a home race for me, and the CTMP track is one that has rewarded me with great success on multiple occasions. In just a few short meetings with Shigeaki and the rest of the team, I feel like we have the right ingredients for a special performance. I can appreciate Shige’s early career experiences in open-wheel racing, and how he’s built an outstanding legacy with the Toyota brand that spans multiple series. The chance to contribute to that legacy, even if it’s just for a single race weekend, is something I don’t take lightly”, said Thompson.
“I’m excited to be driving the No.50 Weins Auto Group Hattori Motorsports Supra GT4 EVO at CTMP with Parker. It’s great to be competing in a Toyota at this level having driven them early in my career at Import-tuning Time Attack events in southern California. Mosport is such a great track to drive and I feel like we have a strong team, car, and driver lineup to be in contention for a win”, said Johnson.
Hattori Racing Enterprises PR