Parker Kligerman, an experienced driver in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, recently announced that 2024 will be his final year in full-time racing. Driving the No. 48 car for Big Machine Racing, this season marks his third and final full-time campaign. The 34-year-old is having a strong season, and while he hopes to finish on a high note, this will be the last time he competes full-time. During his YouTube show, *The Money Lap*, Kligerman said, “I will not be returning to Big Machine Racing next year, and this will be my last year as a full-time race car driver in the NASCAR Series and in general. I’m no longer pursuing a full-time ride… It’s not a small decision; it definitely didn’t happen overnight. It was months of deliberating and thinking about it.”
Like many drivers, Kligerman dreamed of advancing to the NASCAR Cup Series. However, after careful consideration, he realized that opportunity might not come to fruition. He said, “In the back of my head, I always wanted to get to the Cup Series, but it became clear for various reasons that the opportunity wasn’t going to present itself.” This realization heavily influenced his decision to step away from competitive racing.
With over 250 races under his belt, Kligerman has had a substantial career, but his early exit from full-time competition has caught many fans by surprise. The NASCAR community quickly reacted to his decision, with fans expressing their thoughts on social media and discussing his possible future endeavors, including a part-time return to racing or a potential new career in media.
Kligerman’s performance in Xfinity racing has been solid, but despite his best efforts, he has yet to secure a victory. He came close on several occasions, particularly on superspeedways, where he was often in contention for the win. Most recently, he finished second at Atlanta, narrowly missing out on his first Xfinity victory. One fan, reflecting on his career, wrote, “Bummer, I liked rooting for Parker on Saturdays. He’s had a few close calls on superspeedways, but the overall performance just isn’t there unfortunately.”
Despite the lack of wins, Kligerman has earned respect and admiration from fans for his dedication and professionalism. One fan noted, “Always liked Parker who has forever been a class act, and definitely hope he gets a chance to get one more win before his semi-retirement.” The hope remains that Kligerman can secure a victory before his full-time racing days come to a close.
In addition to his driving career, Kligerman has successfully built a presence in media. Since 2014, he has worked as a TV analyst for NBC Sports and has also served as a pit reporter for Cup Series races. His involvement in shows like *Proving Ground*, *In the Wall*, and his podcast *Money Lap* has helped him establish a strong footing in broadcasting. Some fans believe that a shift to a full-time media career could be the next step for Kligerman, with one fan suggesting, “He needs to lean into his media side; he’s definitely got a career there for life.”
The news of Kligerman’s departure has also sparked speculation about who will replace him in the No. 48 car at Big Machine Racing. Some fans have floated names like Ty Dillon and Daniel Hemric as potential replacements. One fan commented, “Everyone gonna be mad when this is Ty Dillon’s ride next year lol. But more realistically, I am seeing Daniel Hemric there.” There were even rumors that NASCAR Cup Series driver Corey LaJoie could take the No. 48 seat in the future.
Kligerman’s departure from full-time racing doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his NASCAR journey. With nine races remaining in the Xfinity Series season, he still has a chance to break his winless streak. Currently, he sits 74 points above the playoff cutline, giving him a strong shot at making the postseason and potentially ending his full-time career with a memorable playoff run. Fans remain hopeful that he will capture a victory before his retirement, with one commenting, “I feel bad for Parker because he’s been gutted with finishing 2nd so many times. Hopefully, he can steal a win at the Glen or a SS soon.”
While his future may no longer include full-time racing, Kligerman’s contributions to the sport, both on and off the track, have left an indelible mark. Many fans are eager to see what’s next for him, whether it’s a continued presence in media or an occasional return to the racetrack. The question remains: Should Kligerman continue with part-time racing in 2025 or focus entirely on his media career? Fans will be watching closely as he embarks on this new chapter.
“Bummer”: Xfinity Star Jeopardizing His NASCAR Future With Unexpected Exit Shocks Fans
