Parker Thompson continues his United Kingdom stint this weekend as he takes the wheel for Cliff Dempsey Racing and the Team Canada Scholarship at the program’s first-ever entry into the Walter Hayes Trophy.
The meet at Silverstone is the largest Formula 1600 event in the world, and this year’s outing has attracted 108 entries from across the globe. Cliff Dempsey Racing is a six-time winner of the Trophy and looks to extend that record this weekend.
Progression is determined through a multi-heat system with a last-chance qualifier also available before qualifying drivers move into the semi-finals and eventually the final. Ongoing updates are available through the weekend schedule and latest results.
The opportunity for Team Canada to compete at the Walter Hayes comes off a strong showing by Thompson and the team at the Formula Ford Festival two weeks ago and the support of the program’s many partners.
“The last two weeks in England with Team Canada and Cliff Dempsey Racing have created some of the best memories I have to date,” Thompson says. “Cliff Dempsey is one of the nicest and most genuine team owners in any paddock, and his family is an absolute pleasure to be surrounded with. They have taken me in and treated me like family since I have arrived. With everything they have done for me, the least I can do for them is drive the wheels off the Red Rocket at the Walter Hayes Trophy and see if I can’t get them some hardware.
“I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for the Team Canada Scholarship, and I can’t give thanks enough to Brian, Kelly, and all of the sponsors of this program for getting me here. This has been a trip of a lifetime, and it’s all because of the people behind the scenes. Now let’s get the Canadian flag at the pointy end of the grid!”
“We are delighted to extend the Team Canada Scholarship to include the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone,” adds Team Canada Scholarship principal Brian Graham. “It is the biggest annual Formula Ford event in the world, and we couldn’t have a better team than Cliff Dempsey Racing to partner with once again. We hope to erase the bad luck and have a strong showing with our young driver Parker Thompson. He was one of the favourites at the Festival just a few weeks ago and we know he will be competitive once again. A big thank you again to our sponsors and fans, without whom this would not be possible.”
Thompson and the Team Canada Scholarship will be providing updates on their progress throughout the weekend. Keep up with them on their Twitter and Facebook pages and right here at RacingNorth. Visit the program’s website at teamcanadascholarship.com.