2/1/2024
Badger Midget Auto Racing Association
Meet Parker Jones
He's come a long way in a short period. Parker Jones, had quite a rookie season with the AFS Badger Midget Series. His highlights included a win at Thunder Hill Speedway, an epic battle with Brandon Waelti at Angell Park Speedway and the 2023 Badger Rookie of the Year title.
Now that things have settled down, after an impressive Chili Bowl run, making his A-Main on the preliminary night and ending the week with a C-Main appearance on Driller Night, the Blue Mounds, WI driver took some time to talk with us.
Car Number: 41
Owner: Parker Jones
Team Name: Parker Jones Racing
Sponsors: Work Truck Stuff, Jones Excavating Solutions LLC, WrenchWay, Pokerville Ironworks, Spankins Motorsports, #1 Uncle Gene, PWA Insurance Group, Tactical Timber Co, K&L Bobcat Inc, Dave & Tammy's Wood & Pumpkins, The Spot, Peeper Hollow Farm
Crew: John Jones, David Dewhurst, Joe Reeson, Colin Reeson, Ryan Blair
PR Company: Box3 Media
Facebook Fan Page: Parker Jones Racing - Like and Follow for a chance to win a free sweatshirt.
BMARA: Were you a fan of racing before you got behind the wheel and if so, who were your heroes and what tracks did you attend?
Parker: Yes, I grew up at Angell Park Speedway watching my dad, John and several other drivers race our midget. My favorite drivers were Brad Kuhn and Jerry Coons Jr.. I also am a fan of Tony Stewart, Nelson Stewart and Rico Abreu.
BMARA: Give us a synopsis of your racing career:
Parker: In 2011, I started out racing a few races in a Go-Kart at Coulee Raceway in West Salem, WI.
In 2020 I moved into racing Legend Cars with my brother, Payton. I finished 6th place both at Beaver Dam Raceway and Wisconsin Dirt Legend Series. In 2021 I finished 6th again at Beaver Dam and 4th with Wisconsin Dirt Legends.
In 2022, I finished 1st at Beaver Dam, 1st with Wisconsin Dirt Legends and won the INEX National Title for the Semi Pro Division. I also won the race at Nationals. After clinching these titles, It was time to move up to the Midgets.
I got my first feature win and ended 5th in points along with achieving Rookie of the Year for BMARA. My dad was the Rookie of the Year with Badger in 1997. One of my fondest memories is racing my Legend against Nelson Stewart and waving at him when I passed him. We have remained friends and I enjoy listening to his stories. I got to catch up with him at the Chili Bowl this year where I competed in the #3 Brandon Waelti car. It was a great experience and I cannot wait to go back next year.
BMARA: How much time do you spend on the car each week during the season?
Parker: When we race on Sunday, we wash and clean the car on Mondays. My dad and I do all the maintenance on the car. Nothing gets overlooked. We spend every night in the shop working on the car until the next race. Our crew members will also come out and help. My mom, Michelle, takes care of making sure my suit and garments are washed and cleaned each week.
BMARA: What is your day job and how does racing fit in?
Parker: I work for our family business (Jones Excavating Solutions LLC) as an operator. I got my CDL after graduating early during COVID in 2021. I am very fortunate that my dad allows me to compete in every race and adjusts our work schedules so we both can go racing.
BMARA: What's something interesting the fans might not know about you?
Parker: I love to snowboard and competed in many competitions since I was 7 years old. In 5th grade when I was 10 years old, I snowboarded every day that our local ski resort was open and never missed a day. 112 days.
BMARA: In another fun fact about Parker, as his mom relates, "He was born 10 weeks early and weighed 2 lbs. 13oz."
You could say he was fast from day-one.
Please follow our website and Facebook page, was we add more drivers to this series of articles, leading up to the April 20, season opener at Beaver Dam Raceway.
Article Credit: Bill Blumer Jr. with Parker Jones
Photo Credit: Bill Blumer Jr.
Submitted By: William Blumer