BASSETT, VA :: While many drivers come to Martinsville as sure thing contenders, Parker comes in hoping to flip the script by surprising the short track world by making the field for the Martinsville DuPont Credit Union (MDCU) 300.
Parker has been competing at Ace Speedway, Franklin County Speedway and Lonesome Pine Raceway over previous seasons but, in 2014, a string of unfortunate luck sidelined Parker from competition for much of the season. On two occasions, he was leading the race at Franklin County Speedway when mechanical problems forced him to park. Then, an engine failure at Ace Speedway sidelined him. Now, Parker’s got a new motor back and he’s ready to race with the big boys.
Parker has attempted to make the field in each of the last two seasons but has fallen short in each attempt. Parker’s confident the third time will be a charm.
“The last two years over there, we’ve come a long ways,” Parker said. “We missed the race two years ago by two cars, got in a wreck coming to the checkered in the heat. We started in that Last Chance race in 30th and finished 12th but they took the top-10. I drove my ass off but ran out of time. Kind of dejecting but we did all we could do.”
This year, Parker’s confident about his chances of making the field. He’s got notes from previous years and, this year, the experience of Jason Myers’ crew chief, Mike Queen.
“I’ve got a good feeling taking our notes back over there,” Parker remarked. “This year, I’ve got the MikeQueen. He’s got a lot of good luck there and a win over there. I’m looking forward to getting back there and getting at it at my hometown track. It’d be really sweet to make the field in the biggest race of the year in my own backyard. To get in the big race is what everybody’s shooting for.
“I think we’ve got a really good shot. We’ve got a good car. If you’re lucky enough to make the big race, you ride, save your equipment, don’t get in a wreck, I’ve seen some strange things happen inside 50 to go. Nobody thought Tommy Lemons, Jr. could win it and he did.”
If Parker can make the field and compete for the win, it would certainly be one of the biggest upsets of the season. But all Parker’s looking forward to is just getting back behind the wheel after being sidelined due to mechanical problems.
“Anything can happen,” Parker commented. “I’m just looking forward to getting behind the wheel. I’ve had to sit out the last two-and-a-half months with a blown motor. I’m a small three person team. I’m glad I’ve got a sponsor (Auto Rehab) to help me… For a little team, it’s tough. My back’s against the wall when I get there racing against all that money but once I get behind that car, I don’t worry about the money, I know the talent will show if I can get to where I need to be.”
Parker also had a shout out for one of our own.
“Corey Latham’s always been super nice to me ever since we met so I carry RACE22.com stickers all over my car.”
Every year, there are underdogs which rise to the occasion, flip the script and pull off a surprising run that turns heads. With his experience combined with his drive, Kevin Parker hopes to be this year’s underdog hero.
