“Over a mile and a half, and even with a 22-mph crosswind, I did not veer even a total of five
feet off the centerline – and there’s still so much more left in it!” Parker says.“It was an absolute
blessing to have my team get everything finished, get everything there, and get a record.”
a surprisingly surreal whirlwind, though, as Parker received a call from
the Emmy-winning series, Jay Leno’s Garage, inviting him to be a part
of an upcoming episode. “It was a mad thrash to get everything finished
in time for the ECTA event,” laughs Parker, whose friends and family
practically moved mountains to ensure he could make the deadline.
Together with his Tragedy to Triumph Racing crew, including crew
chief Jimmy Boykin, Corvette specialist Jason White of RecMech Motorsports,
Boeing mechanic and engineer Jeff Pope, wiring specialist
Mark Dalquist, Scott Clark from RealTuners.com working remotely with
James Short, and team photographer Rick Head, who is also a multi-time
200 mph club member at Bonneville, Parker headed west for the ECTA
1.5-mile Spaceport America Invitational event at Spaceport America in
Sierra County, New Mexico, in February of 2020. And, in addition to
her unwavering support and understanding throughout the entire build
process, Parker’s fiancée, Jennifer Stegall, organized the team’s logistics,
hospitality, and branding for the adventure.
On the way, though, with a list of final checks and adjustments
still left to do on the race car, the team was invited to
spend a day working in the ultra-clean facilities at Western
Tech in El Paso, Texas. There, Parker was able to speak with
groups of students about his inspirational story, as well as
his goals in life and in racing. The crew was able to knock
out the remaining task list with the help of Western Tech’s
students and instructors and continued on to New Mexico.
Having finally arrived at his destination, and while riding
an adrenaline high unlike any other he’d ever experienced,
Parker made his first pass – but it wasn’t what he had expected.
“The guidance system needed a little refinement, so Patrick [Johnson]
spent four hours reprogramming it and we were on the runway at 2:30
a.m. practicing,” says Parker. Fortunately, the guys were able to get the
issues resolved and got down to work the next day.
On his first full pass, Parker set a record with Steve Strupp, owner
of the ECTA, along for the ride in the passenger seat. Going 153.8 mph,
Parker became the fastest blind man in America, and the fastest blind man
in the world to race without human assistance. Due to the unforgiving
desert winds, additional runs were not possible as conditions had been
deemed unsafe to do so.
“Over a mile and a half, and even with a 22-mph crosswind, I did not
veer even a total of five feet off the centerline – and there’s still so much
more left in it!” Parker says, rightfully proud of what he and his group
had accomplished. “It was an absolute blessing to have my team get
everything finished, get everything there, and get a record. On behalf of
my Tragedy to Triumph Racing team, thanks to ECTA for hosting, and to
Chris Lopez and the entire Spaceport America staff for their hospitality
and support throughout the weekend.”
Now, Parker wants to become the world’s fastest blind man – a title
currently held by Englishman Mike Newman, a six-time Guinness World
Record holder.
Based on what he’s done so far, going 210 mph is certainly possible for
Parker. He’ll have to wait, though, as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced
the unexpected shutdown of all racing programs and Parker’s momentum
has come to a screeching halt. To finally get everything going only to be
crushed by the coronavirus has been tough for Parker, but he hasn’t let
the delay dampen his spirits.
“It might be possible to try again at the end of April, if I can raise
the money, but realistically it will probably to wait until the fall,” notes
Parker, who will have to rent a facility in order to achieve the two-way
average (with runs within one hour of each other) as required by
the Guinness record. “I’m still selling pens to raise money, and
am working to get sponsors to take donations to help with
the facility rental so we can make the record a reality. The
car is also available if someone wants it at PRI or SEMA
this year…hint hint!”
However, despite his tremendous success, Parker still
has plenty of bad days. “I try to keep to myself, as I feel I
did this to myself having chosen to be a racer. I tell people
not to feel sorry for me – feel sorry for the kids with cancer
that lose their eyesight, the ones born without eyes, or the kids
that never get to drive,” says Parker, as humble as the day is long.
“I want my projects to inspire parents of blind children to let their
kids explore the world. They can have dreams just like sighted kids and
overcome challenges. I want our returning soldiers to know they can still
enjoy their passions, even if they come home without arms, without legs,
or without sight. I want society to know we are not helpless. With a little
support and some thinking outside the box, we can fulfill our dreams.
And, most importantly, for everyone to live by my motto that ‘you can
make excuses, or you can make it happen.’”
Just eight years after what could have easily been a fatal accident,
Parker has found a new purpose in life. A backyard build with a backyard
budget has produced a world-class car and an absolutely legendary
message of grit, determination and true triumph. Having worked so hard,
and so relentlessly, to achieve a goal that many said was impossible is
truly inspiring; Parker’s is, perhaps, one of the greatest untold comeback
stories in all of auto racing history. DI
88 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated.com Issue 156