Sports Insider

Three Generations of Racing

Pictured left to right: Eli Wilhelmus, Gary Hostettler, Mike Dickerson, Brayden Smith, Devyn Marcum, Brent Smith, Jerry Parker, Kash Parker, Waylon Parker, and Logan Parker

It’s hard to deny that many of the residents of Gibson County like racing. It could be sprint cars, modifieds, cycles or even go karts. The crowds and longevity of Tri-State Speedway will attest to their love of a good, fast competition. The Parker family of Princeton is no exception to the thrill of a good race. During the work week, Logan Parker may be running the operations of Parker Excavating, but about three weekends a month he and his family are at a go-kart track. “There are about 15 to 20 tracks within four hours of Princeton,” Logan explained. “Right now we race all over the Midwest and east coast – Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, North Carolina, and Illinois. Logan started racing in 1998, when his dad, Jerry, bought him his first go-kart. They began racing locally and then traveled all over the east coast for about 10 years. Jerry raced in his younger days, however he favored flat track motorcycle racing. He’s just recently taken up go-karts himself in the adult class. The family racing tradition is now being carried on by Logan’s two young sons Waylon and Kash. Waylon is eight-years-old and has been racing for about a year and a half. Five-year-old Kash started racing in June of 2021. Waylon runs three classes every time he races, the junior red plate, junior green plate and junior champ.

Three of the seven go-karts used by Parker Racing

The red plate class is for those ages five-eight, whereas the green plate is for ages eight-ten and runs faster. “Waylon has won four races this year and had 25 top three finishes,” Logan commented, “Kash has won one race this year and has four top three finishes.” This is good for two so young that haven’t been racing for very long. “Waylon finished the season with a second place in points in the red plate class in the J and M Burris Thriller series and also a second place finish in the green plate points as well,” Logan added.

Logan, Jerry & Waylon Parker

Unlike some seasonal sports, go-karts are run year round. They race on outside tracks from March through November and indoors all winter long. Like other types of racing, there are series points accumulated. There are classes among the kids, adults and professionals. Waylon also races junior champs which have cages on them and a five point harness. “They are a lot safer to race but they aren’t as popular around here,” Logan explained, “They have to wear helmets, neck braces, gloves, and racing jackets.” These karts run about 45 mph on the outdoor tracks and 30 mph indoors. Also on the team is Brayden Smith, who won 21 races in 2021, including a couple of national wins. He is considered one of the best drivers in the midwest. Brayden competes in the pro classes. His father Brent has been involved in racing for 40 years and is the tire guy and crew chief for Parker Racing. While go-karts are cheaper than other forms of racing, the need for parts, engine repair and tires are constant, especially to stay competitive. That’s where sponsors come in to play. Those backing the Parkers are Boxell Trucking, Gibson County Warehousing, G.J. Rode and Sons, Mike Crabtree Trucking, Valley Court and of course Parker Excavating. Keeping it local, all the engines are built here in Gibson County by Carl Young and Luke Gher of Xcaliber Racing Engines. So why does one of the busiest guys around take so much of his free time to race? It could be the phrase: Work hard – play hard. However, Logan says, “I like that I get to spend time with my boys and I know where they are every weekend. It keeps them out of trouble. Also, it’s a lot of fun seeing the progress they make every week and watching them learn.”

Waylon in his car and ready to race.