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NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Parker Kligerman recently shocked fans by announcing his plans to retire from full-time racing at the end of the current season. Currently driving for Big Machine Racing, Kligerman shared the emotional news in a heartfelt message to his supporters, reflecting on his journey in motorsports.
As reported by Newsweek Sports, Kligerman posted a message describing his passion for racing, which started when he was just nine years old. He recounted how, after his family got cable, he stumbled upon a channel called SpeedVision. Watching drivers in multicolored racing suits with determined expressions ignited his dream to become a professional race car driver. “Right then, I knew; I want to do that!” he shared. From that moment, his goal was clear, and for the past 15 years, he lived out that dream.
He humorously recalled how his journey into racing began with persistent begging to his mother for a go-kart, which eventually led to his first racing opportunity. Reflecting on his career, he expressed gratitude for the experiences he’s had, many of which he feels were unexpected. “It’s been 22 years since I first begged and borrowed my way into a go-kart… and started a journey that, for an endless amount of reasons, should never have made it further than go-karts. Let alone afforded me multiple chances, a career, and possibly a purpose,” Kligerman reflected.
Kligerman’s racing career took off in 2009 when he made his NASCAR debut as a 19-year-old development driver for Penske Racing. He quickly established himself as a rising star in the ARCA Series, where he won nine out of 21 races during his rookie season. This impressive start caught the attention of the NASCAR community. Reflecting on those early successes, he jokingly said, “I like to say if ARCA was Cup, I’d have a private jet. But that’s not the case.”
Throughout his career, Kligerman competed in over 100 Truck Series races and made 30 starts in the Cup Series. Over the years, his outlook on racing evolved. In an interview with Motorsport.com, he revealed how his mindset had shifted with time. In the early stages of his career, Kligerman was laser-focused on winning races. “When you’re thinking about doing this as a career, it’s your sole objective to try and win races,” he said. Winning, making daring passes, and securing championships were the only things that mattered. The idea of what might come after racing seemed distant and unimportant.
However, as Kligerman got older, he began to see things differently. He shared how his understanding of the sport, and life, changed with age. “You get older, and you start to understand the world better,” he said. Kligerman admitted that this newfound perspective helped him perform better in some ways, as he was no longer afraid of what would come next after racing. “I’ve been there, I’ve already seen it. I know you don’t die. There’s life out there,” he explained. Although he was no longer the young phenom he once was, Kligerman embraced the positives that come with growing up. His attitude became more relaxed and authentic as he realized, “I don’t care, screw it. I’m just going to be me.”
Kligerman’s career wasn’t without its challenges. He raced for both well-funded teams and smaller operations. He acknowledged that driving for smaller teams was often a necessity to keep his racing career alive. “When you’re at the big teams, what you’re fighting for is tiny fractions of a second to outdo the other top teams,” he said. Success with larger teams often came down to finding small improvements that would give them a competitive edge in future races. However, the experience of racing for smaller teams shaped Kligerman’s outlook and resilience throughout his career.
As he prepares to step away from full-time racing, Kligerman’s reflections offer a candid look at the highs and lows of a career spent pursuing his childhood dream. While he may no longer be the young racer with big dreams, Kligerman’s passion for the sport and the lessons he learned along the way will remain with him as he enters the next chapter of his life.