Parker Retzlaff Bio
Early Life and Background
Parker Edward Retzlaff was born on May 21, 2003, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where he also resides. Growing up in a family that appreciated motorsports, Retzlaff was exposed to racing at a young age. His journey in racing began at just nine years old when he competed in the Wisconsin Junior Sprints, showcasing his talent early on by winning the mid-season championship.
Path to NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Retzlaff’s racing career progressed through various series, including the Wisconsin Bandolero Series, where he finished third in points in 2013 and won the championship in 2014. He continued to develop his skills in the ARCA Midwest Tour, where he ranked fourteenth in points in 2017. His dedication and performance in these early series laid the groundwork for his eventual transition to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Parker Retzlaff Career
Early Career (2012–2021)
Retzlaff’s early career was marked by significant achievements in local and regional racing circuits. In 2019, he signed with Visconti Motorsports to compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, where he earned his first top-ten finish at Memphis International Raceway. He later joined Cook-Finley Racing in 2020, finishing fourth in the ARCA Menards Series standings, which highlighted his growing prowess in stock car racing.
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Retzlaff made his debut in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2022, driving for RSS Racing. His first race was at the United Rentals 200, where he qualified sixth but faced challenges that resulted in a 36th-place finish. However, he rebounded with a tenth-place finish at the ToyotaCare 250, marking a significant milestone in his young career. In 2023, he joined Jordan Anderson Racing, where he achieved a career-best fourth-place finish at Daytona, solidifying his position as a competitive driver in the series.
In November 2023, Retzlaff announced his return to Jordan Anderson Racing for the 2024 season, where he continued to impress with his performance, including scoring his first career pole position at Richmond. His consistent results helped him finish 21st in the points standings, with four top-ten finishes.
Viking Motorsports Era (2026–Present)
In November 2025, Retzlaff signed with Viking Motorsports for the 2026 season, taking the wheel of the No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro SS. This move represents a new chapter in his career as he aims to build on his previous successes and establish himself further in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Retzlaff is known for his adaptability and strategic approach to racing. His experience across various series has honed his skills in car handling and race strategy, making him a formidable competitor on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Retzlaff has achieved several notable milestones, including multiple top-ten finishes in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and his first pole position. His journey from local racing circuits to national prominence illustrates his determination and talent.
Parker Retzlaff Career Wins
Parker Retzlaff is still in the early stages of his career, with no wins recorded in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series as of now. However, he has accumulated a total of 13 top-ten finishes, showcasing his potential for future victories.
Current NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Highlights
In the 2023 season, Retzlaff achieved one top-five finish and seven top-ten finishes, with an average finish of 17.9. His performance positioned him sixteenth in the overall standings, indicating a promising trajectory as he continues to develop his skills.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
Retzlaff has competed in various NASCAR series, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR Cup Series, where he made his debut in 2024. His experiences in these series have contributed to his growth as a driver, even though he has yet to secure a win in these competitions.
Parker Retzlaff Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Details about Parker Retzlaff’s family background are limited, but he hails from Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where his passion for racing was nurtured from a young age.
Personal Life
Retzlaff enjoys spending his free time playing basketball, working on race cars, and engaging in iRacing simulations. He is a fan of NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a pivotal year for Parker Retzlaff as he continued to build on his previous successes in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Competing full-time for Viking Motorsports, Retzlaff showcased his growing skill set, achieving multiple top-ten finishes. His performance throughout the season demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level, and he remained a strong contender for future races. As he looks ahead, Retzlaff aims to capitalize on his momentum and secure his first victory in the series.