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Hank Parker Jr.

September 2, 1999 - Hello Everyone. As a child, did you ever hear the story about the little engine that could? You know, the one struggling up the hill. Believe it or not, that little engine has something in common with Busch Grand National Rookie Hank Parker Jr., no joke. What you ask? Simply stated, determination.

Parker, driver of the # 53 Chevrolet, didn't start the season with an established team. Instead he came onto the circuit with a newly formed family owned team. Usually a team will have ten full time crewmen, yet Parker's team functions with a skeleton crew of about half that. Parker doesn't have a primary sponsor. In fact, his father/owner/spotter funds the team, plus the revenue Parker brings home from the track goes back into the operation.

Some of the advantages of a family owned team are, "job security, the fact that you could go through a dry spell and it seems like everyone stands behind you a little better. The loyalty there is usually a little better. You get to enjoy it with your family and share in the excitement when things go good," states Parker.

However, with advantages come disadvantages also. "You usually don't hide any of your feelings when you are talking with someone in your family. When you're in a situation like we are, as far as financially struggling a little bit and don't have a sponsor, it makes it tough to sever those ties and move on. It's just a real touchy, sensitive area and you don't want to hurt someone in your family over something as far as a job," answers Parker.

Parker came on the scene a relative unknown, save for his promising career in the Slim Jim All Pro series, a NASCAR touring division. After 24 races this season, with 4 DNQ's and using 6 provisionals to make the show, Parker finds himself with one top 5, three top tens, 21st in the point standings overall and in second place in the Rookie of the Year battle.

Parker failed to qualify for the last two events, which hurt him in the point standings. With the season winding down, a driver must re-evaluate his goals. "My goals have stayed the same. I want to win ROTY. The last two weeks have been extremely tough for us, and we are really struggling right now. We are in a hole but we just got to look to next week and keep digging and try to get up front as best as you can," Parker reflects.

As far as his aspirations for Darlington, Parker says they, "are to make the race, gain rookie points on Tony Raines, to finish as high as I can and make the best out of every situation that we have going on down there, and I'll walk away satisfied."

The little engine tooted his motto, "I think I can" over and over as he struggled over the hill. So too does Parker. "We are definitely not out of it that's for sure and I am not giving up. I am going to try to pull through with my goals. Obviously I am not where I want to be. I've got a long way to go," Parker says resolutely. All I can say is, I personally can't wait to see what he does once he reaches the other side.

Well that's a wrap. Until next time race fans take care, and remember Safety First!

Nikki

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