Hank Parker Jr. 2000

January 15, 2000 - This past season, much like the season before that, Busch Grand National fans were treated to the "Matt & Dale Show." So with both, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Matt Kenseth making the move to Winston Cup, Busch is now auditioning for new headliners.

However, with Dale Jr's two consecutive championships, Matt's runner-up and third place runs for the title, their combined 10 wins, plus a slew of top-fives and top-tens, those are some big shoes to fill. Yet the Busch series has never lacked talented, up and coming drivers, and the audition lines are long.

Among the first in line is Hank Parker Jr, who qualified for 22 out of the 27 races last season scoring three top-tens and one top-five. His season best finish came early last season at the Sam's Town 300, where Parker finished fourth. Parker finished second to Tony Raines for the Rookie of the Year battle and finished 18th overall in the point standings.

"It was real disappointing not to win rookie of the year. But overall I'm happy with last season. All and all it was such a tough road to hoe. It was a learning experience and you've got to go through those things before you' re going to be on top. I enjoyed it and I don't think I can change a thing," states Hank.

Lacking a sponsor for most of the season handicapped Parker and the rest of the #53 team. Towards the end of the season, Team Marines came on board and, after a few weeks, signed with Parker Racing through 2002. "It takes a lot of the pressure off. It's given me the opportunity to just think about driving the car. Just to do what I am supposed to do instead of worrying about if I tear this car up will we have enough money to race next week, and I think it's shown in the last few weeks (of the season)," said Hank.

During the last race at Homestead, Parker ran up front and enjoyed some long overdue media coverage. "It felt good, it was definitely a new experience for me in the Busch series. It was different and it felt really good," explains Parker. "Just to be out front leading that race. Racing those guys that race Winston Cup and Dale Jr, and all those guys. It was pretty cool, it's almost indescribable, like a dream come true."

With his first full season in Busch behind him, Parker is looking forward to Daytona 2000. "I haven't really put a set goal that I want to achieve next year but I definitely want to see my performance greatly improve and be a lot more consistent. We have to just kind of step up to the mark, just like at Homestead our run was very good. If we can just do it on a more consistent measure and maybe win a race or two I'd be really happy."

Now that his sponsorship woes are over, Parker is ready to face his second year with optimism. "I'm definitely looking forward to next season after those last few races. I think if it's any kind of evidence of what the future hold for me it looks like its going to be pretty good."

Parker may or may not get the lead but he will doubtlessly be a recurring character this coming season. "I feel like we can do it as a team and we are working at trying to get our team better and I think we can arise to the occasion."

Well that is it for this report. Until next time race fans, take care and remember Safety First!

Nikki

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