Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
February 15, 2001

Parker finished fourteenth in the drivers points standings. (Keystone Marketing)

Check out what NASCAR Busch Series driver Hank Parker Jr. had to say about the start of the 2001 season.

Parker has been in the Busch Series for two years and has already established a name for himself. He finished in the top-10 in four of his first seven races of 2000. He placed tenth at the season opener in Daytona Beach and finished fourteenth in the drivers' points standings.

Hank Parker Jr.: Welcome everyone! I am ready to answer any questions you have. I am glad you are all visiting the chat!

Question: mcqueen: At what age did you first become interested in racing?

Hank Parker Jr.: I started getting interested in racing when I was 14 and started at 15. I went to a race with a friend of my dad's. A gokart race. His son was racing and they got me started in it. I enjoyed it and wanted to pursue.

Question: sassyl: Do you have any special things you do to prepare for a race?

Hank Parker Jr.: I work out a lot. The days before the race, during the week. And I watch what I eat. I don't have any rituals or superstitions.

Question: legit: You must have a healthy fear on the track, how do you get past that?

Hank Parker Jr.: When you get in the car and get the helmet on, you forget about that. You focus on your performance and do your best. It takes a lot of concentration to hit your lines and drive. Fear doesn't get in your head as much as someone looking in from the outside might think.

Question: sassyl: Being a mother myself, how does your mom feel about you racing?

Hank Parker Jr.: My mom knows this is what I love to do and she supports me 100%.

Question: yeeha: Who has taught you the most about your driving?

Hank Parker Jr.: Freddie Query has definitely taught me the ins and outs. We worked together when I raced in the All-Pro Series and last year in the Busch Series also.

Question: yeeha: Are there any tracks you're looking forward to racing on?

Hank Parker Jr.: Every one! I look forward to all the races. I think it is a great opportunity to do what I like to do, you know? There are tracks I favor, like Las Vegas. But to wake up every morning and say "I drive a race car!" is one awesome feeling!

Question: bumpn53: Describe how you do well on flat super sw's, aka Las Vegas, compared to steep Daytona?

Hank Parker Jr.: I really don't know! I get asked that a lot. I guess it fits my driving style. I like flat tracks and my crew chief last year had a good formula for flat tracks and he made me look good with his knowledge.

Question: bumpn53: Does the long racing season interfere with your personal life a lot?

Hank Parker Jr.: We spend a lot of time on the road. The racing becomes your personal life. I have a lot of friends that I don't see at home that I do see on the road. So the road is my personal life too.

Question: cheech: Is your family able to make it to a lot of your races?

Hank Parker Jr.: My Dad has supported my through the years past. He has come to all my races. He doesn't own my team any more but he has always supported me. He plans on coming to my races this year also.

Question: fturbaspro: Did Kyles unfortunate accident make you think twice about getting back into your ride?

Hank Parker Jr.: No.

Question: legit: Do you see many changes in racing in the next five years? if so, what?

Hank Parker Jr.: You know, we have a new TV package. And the Busch series has new engine rules. As far as any major changes it is hard to see the future. As any sport we are rising. But I don't see any major changes.

Question: visinefan: What is a realistic goal for your team in 2001?

Hank Parker Jr.: To finish in the top 10 in points and be competitive every week. And win a race! That is one of our goals and we need to achieve that. We have some personal goals that may be higher but those are realistic ones we need to achieve.

Question: barky: Hank, what has been your most memorable race?

Hank Parker Jr.: 1999 at Homestead when I lead most of the race and swapped the lead with Dale Earnhardt Jr off and on. That would have to be my most memorable.

Question: sassyl: Will you be making any personal appearances while your in Daytona?

Hank Parker Jr.: I have already made one in Orlando. I don't know of any more I will be making offhand.

Question: bumpn53: Hank I subscribe to GNC newsletter and its enlightening to see your team behind you, how does that make you feel that their expectations are so high for you before the season starts?

Hank Parker Jr.: It makes me feel good that they have confidence in me and themselves. All the goals they have are reachable and it makes me feel good that they feel we are able to do that.

Question: barky: When are you going to try your hand at Winston Cup?

Hank Parker Jr.: I am not sure. It depends on the situation and on how things go in the Busch series. I have a contract for 2 years and am looking forward to those. But I am not sure about Winston Cup.

Question: barky: How many races do you plan on running this year?

Hank Parker Jr.: I plan on running all of the Busch Series races. Anything above that is not on my schedule right now. So that is 33.

Question: bryanc36: Hank, when you switched teams and crew chiefs, did you get to keep a copy of the notes so you can look back at them at tracks where you performed well last year, like Vegas?

Hank Parker Jr.: Yes I do! I have a copy of the notes for everywhere I ran last year and before that. We kept a big book of notes and I got to keep them.

Question: sassyl: How satisfied are you with your placement for saturday?

Hank Parker Jr.: I am not satisfied. That is what we have to deal with though, and we will do out best to be our best in that race. We have to move forward and do the best we can do.

Question: racingdiva: Who do you think your biggest competition will be this year?

Hank Parker Jr.: Well Jeff Green won the championship last year and will be hard to beat. They have made some changes on their team so I look for them to be as competitive, if not more competitive, than last year.

Question: pav: Hank-Do you think that the Dodges are going to dominate this year?

Hank Parker Jr.: I don't know. It depends. I think they will be competitive. Extremely competitive.

Question: bryanc36: Hank, whats the best or most memorable thing a fan has done for you in your racing career?

Hank Parker Jr.: I won a race in Winchester a few years ago and after the race a guy came up to me and gave me a key chain of the race. I don't know why it was significant but it was at the time and I still have it on my nightstand at home. But there is a guy named Bryan Cook. I met him over the internet and he started an unofficial website for me. It is a really neat website and I enjoy checking it out. www.hankparkerjr.4mg.com

Question: fturbaspro: Hank what would you be doing if you weren't racing

Hank Parker Jr.: I enjoy computers a lot. Last year the Marines were a sponsor and I enjoyed visiting the bases and their way of life so that would be a nice way of life.

Hank Parker Jr.: I want to thank everyone for coming to the chat and following me. I appreciate the support. Check out www.gncracing.com. There is news and all sorts of things about us there. I am looking forward to the race on Saturday. Goodnight and Keep it Real!