Thompson lead Saturday's final but came home second in the end (Photo: Cody Schindel - Autosports Media)

As a member of Team Canada at the 2012 Rotax Grand Finals, Canadian pilot Parker Thompson travelled to the Sunshine State to compete in the annual Florida Winter Tour. With the first event taking place at the ultra fast Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR), the Tony Kart driver walked away with a pole position, heat race win, podium result and a pair of top fives to start his 2012 karting campaign.

"This was a great way to start the Florida Winter Tour," expressed Parker Thompson after the event on Sunday. "I was hoping to score a win this weekend but the cards didn't fall in our favor. I am looking forward to the next event in Homestead."

After proving to be fast in the unofficial test days leading up to Friday afternoon's qualifying session, Thompson continued his pace in the afternoon's first session which would set the grid for Sunday. Utilizing the draft to perfection, the Mike Speed tuned Ocala Gran Prix driver turned a blistering lap to take the pole position by almost two tenths of a second.

With a two-hour break, the Rotax Junior drivers would once again head to the grid, this time for Saturday's qualifying run. Looking to repeat his earlier performance, Thompson was shunted off the racing surface on lap two causing extreme damage to his kart. Unable to turn a time quick enough to make it in the show, the talented Canadian would be forced to start from P20 in the Last Chance Qualifier on Saturday morning.

When the green flag flew, the seas parted for Thompson as he quickly dove to the inside and exited the first corner in sixth. As one of the fastest karts on the track, Thompson was quickly in the lead and garnered the victory and a 29th place starting position for the prefinal.

Looking like a seasoned veteran, Thompson began to steal the show on Saturday. Driving through the field making pass after pass, the Canadian pilot turned the fastest lap of the race as he drove to a solid third place finish. Setting himself up for an inside row two starting position for the final, Thompson would be a threat for the victory in the main event.

With a long front straight and a draft that could knock almost a second off your overall lap time, Thompson and a duo of fellow competitors worked to get away from the field. Staying in line lap after lap, they quickly drew away from the fourth place competitor as they were set for an epic battle for the win. On the final circuit, the leaders swapped the top spot on numerous occasions as Thompson looked for a way by. Drag racing to the finish line, the Tony Kart driver would come home second.

Looking for redemption on Sunday, Thompson started the prefinal from the pole position and never looked back. Taking the heat race win and prime starting spot for the final, Thompson was excited to once again challenge for the win.

Losing the draft at PBIR is something that drivers fear and Thompson's fear came to realization in the main event. Battling with the lead quartet, the top two drivers joined forces and stretched their lead on the field. Looking to stay in check, Thompson tried to do the same with the third place driver but the lap times never materialized. With the win out of site, Thompson battled tooth and nail over the remaining race distance to score his second top five of the weekend with a solid fourth place finish.

The Canadian driver will enjoy no time off as he will be back on track this weekend at the opening round of the Gatorz Challenge of Americas. Taking place in Tucson, Arizona, Thompson will start his second championship run of 2012 in the desert heat.

Parker would like to thank his current supporters and sponsors: Ocala Gran Prix, Buddy Rice Race Engines, Courtney Concepts, OMP RLV and Sylvan Lake RV for all their hard work and continued support. A special thanks to tuner Mike Speed who worked tirelessly all weekend long to ensure great speed and fantastic results.

For more information on Parker Thompson including press release and media information, please contact Mike Maurini and Race Tech Development at 317.270.8723 or via e-mail at Mike@RaceTechDevelopment.com.