In a move that took the NASCAR world by surprise, Parker Kligerman, the seasoned Xfinity Series driver, announced that 2024 would be his final year as a full-time competitor. After driving the No. 48 car for Big Machine Racing in what would be his third full-time season, Kligerman has made the decision to step away from the grind of professional racing for good. Now 34 years old, Kligerman is wrapping up a season that many would describe as promising, and he’s determined to make his final outings count as he transitions into the next phase of his career.
Sharing the news on his YouTube show, The Money Lap, Kligerman reflected on his journey and what led to this life-altering decision. “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,” he said. Kligerman emphasized that this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. In fact, it was the result of months of contemplation and careful deliberation. “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 had always aspired to reach the pinnacle of NASCAR racing—the Cup Series. But over time, it became increasingly clear that this dream wouldn’t materialize. “Back of my head, I kind of felt I wanna get to the top, get to the Cup Series. But it started to become very apparent through many reasons that opportunity wasn’t going to present itself,” Kligerman explained.
With more than 250 races under his belt, Kligerman is no stranger to the NASCAR community. However, his career, despite its longevity, will conclude without achieving what many had hoped for—a consistent presence in the Cup Series or a long list of Xfinity Series victories. His announcement came as a shock to many fans, who have grown to respect and admire his dedication, even in the face of numerous close calls and near victories.
Fans React to Kligerman’s Exit
As soon as the news broke, fans across social media reacted with a mix of disappointment and speculation about what might come next for Kligerman. Over the years, he’s come close to notching his first Xfinity Series win on more than one occasion, particularly on superspeedways. His most recent race in Atlanta saw him finish a heartbreaking second, yet again just shy of victory. One fan expressed this frustration, saying, “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.”
While Kligerman may not have a win to his name in the Xfinity Series, he has earned the affection of NASCAR enthusiasts through his sportsmanship, dedication, and upbeat personality. Another fan chimed in, praising Kligerman’s character and hoping he can go out on a high note. “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.”
Despite leaving full-time racing, there are plenty of avenues for Kligerman to explore. Over the years, he has cultivated a strong media presence alongside his racing career. He started as an analyst for NBC Sports in 2014 and later took on the role of pit reporter for Cup Series races. Shows like Proving Ground and In the Wall, along with his popular Money Lap podcast, have demonstrated his versatility outside of the car.
Many fans believe Kligerman will now fully lean into his media career, perhaps even as a permanent gig. As one Reddit user put it, “He needs to lean into his media side; he’s definitely got a career there for life. But, I’d love to see him in an 8-race JGR package next year or something like that.”
With Kligerman’s departure, speculation naturally arose around who might fill the now-vacant No. 48 seat at Big Machine Racing. The ever-popular “silly season” rumors began swirling, with fans throwing out names of potential drivers who could replace Kligerman in the Xfinity Series. One fan suggested Ty Dillon as a top contender for the role, adding, “Everyone gonna be mad when this is Ty Dillon’s ride next year lol. But more realistically, I am seeing Daniel Hemric there.”
There’s also speculation about drivers currently in the Cup Series potentially stepping down to Xfinity to take over Kligerman’s ride. Corey LaJoie, for example, has been rumored to be at risk of losing his Cup Series seat, and some fans think the No. 48 car might be a perfect fit for him. “I guess Corey Lajoie to the 48 was true after all,” one fan speculated, pointing out the uncertain future many drivers face as team rosters for the upcoming season begin to solidify.
Despite Kligerman’s decision to step back from full-time racing, his competitive spirit isn’t quite ready to quit. He still has nine races left in the 2024 Xfinity season, and he’s currently sitting 74 points above the playoff cutline. This means he’s in a strong position to make the playoffs, and perhaps, just maybe, score that elusive first win before he walks away. One hopeful fan noted, “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 superspeedway soon.”
For Kligerman, these remaining races represent one last chance to add that final chapter to his racing story—a victory that’s long overdue. Fans are hopeful that he’ll find a way to break through and grab that win before he hangs up his helmet.
What’s Next for Kligerman?
With his talent behind the mic and his deep understanding of the sport, a future in media seems to be the natural next step for Kligerman. Many expect him to continue growing his presence in broadcasting, podcasting, and possibly even expanding his role with NASCAR’s media partners. However, the door to part-time racing hasn’t been completely shut. Fans are already speculating that he might return to the track in a more limited capacity—maybe in a few select races or one-off appearances.
As for Big Machine Racing, the team now has the challenge of finding the right driver to fill the gap left by Kligerman’s departure. With so much uncertainty surrounding various drivers and teams, the Xfinity Series is sure to be an exciting place next season as new faces and familiar veterans shuffle into new roles.
In the end, Kligerman’s decision to step away from full-time racing was a deeply personal one, driven by a mix of practicality and reflection. While he won’t be racing every week, his passion for the sport ensures he’ll still be around in some capacity—whether it’s on TV, behind the microphone, or maybe even on the track occasionally. One thing is certain: Parker Kligerman’s story in NASCAR is far from over.
