Parker Edward Retzlaff Bio
Parker Edward Retzlaff, born May 21, 2003, is an American professional stock car racing driver competing full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He drives the No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Viking Motorsports and has built a reputation as a promising young talent in stock car racing.
Early Life and Background
Retzlaff was born and raised in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where he developed an early passion for racing. He began his racing career at the age of nine, competing in the Wisconsin Junior Sprints and winning the mid-season championship. His early years also included competing in the Wisconsin Bandolero Series, where he finished third in points in 2013 and won the championship in 2014. He continued to show strong performances in state-level competitions, ranking second in points from 2015 to 2016.
In 2017, Retzlaff competed full-time in the ARCA Midwest Tour, finishing fourteenth in points, and also ranked second in the Midwest Truck Series asphalt trucks. The following year, he improved to sixth in the overall standings of the Midwest Truck Series. These formative years laid a solid foundation for his transition to national stock car racing.
Path to NASCAR
Retzlaff’s entry into NASCAR began with part-time drives in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West in 2019, where he earned his first top-ten and top-five finishes. In 2020, he signed full-time with Cook-Finley Racing in the ARCA Menards Series East, securing five top-ten finishes and ending the season fourth in the standings. He also made his ARCA Menards Series debut that year, competing in paired events and achieving a best finish of eighth at Toledo Speedway.
Continuing his development, Retzlaff ran a partial ARCA schedule in 2021 and returned to ARCA competition in 2023 with Young’s Motorsports for road course races. His steady progress in these feeder series helped him gain experience and exposure, leading to opportunities in higher NASCAR tiers.
Parker Edward Retzlaff Career
Early Career (2012–2018)
Retzlaff’s early career was marked by success in regional series. Starting in 2012, he quickly made a name for himself by winning the mid-season championship in the Wisconsin Junior Sprints. His championship win in the Wisconsin Bandolero Series in 2014 and consistent high rankings in subsequent years demonstrated his competitive potential. His participation in the ARCA Midwest Tour and Midwest Truck Series further honed his skills against strong regional competition.
ARCA and NASCAR Development (2019–2023)
In 2019, Retzlaff competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, achieving top-five finishes that highlighted his adaptability and speed. His full-time 2020 season with Cook-Finley Racing in the ARCA Menards Series East yielded multiple top-ten finishes and a fourth-place points finish. He also gained experience in the ARCA Menards Series main events during this period.
Retzlaff’s NASCAR Xfinity Series debut came in 2022 with RSS Racing, where he qualified sixth in his first race and earned a top-ten finish at the ToyotaCare 250. Although he parted ways with RSS Racing later that year, he continued competing in the Xfinity Series with Our Motorsports. In 2023, he drove full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Jordan Anderson Racing, achieving a career-best fourth place at Daytona and finishing sixteenth in the standings.
Viking Motorsports Era (2026–Present)
Looking ahead to 2026, Retzlaff is set to join Viking Motorsports, driving the No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro SS. This move follows his tenure with Alpha Prime Racing in 2024 and 2025, where he secured his career-best finish of second place at Rockingham after a post-race disqualification of the winner. Joining Viking Motorsports represents a new chapter in his career, with expectations for continued growth and success.
Driving Style and Strengths
Retzlaff is known for his strong road course abilities and competitive racecraft. His strategic approach to racing and ability to work effectively with his crew chief have contributed to his steady progression through the ranks. His performances on superspeedways and intermediate tracks have also demonstrated versatility and adaptability.
Notable Races and Milestones
Among Retzlaff’s career highlights are his top-five finishes in ARCA and his impressive seventh-place finish at the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he played a key role in the race’s overtime finish. His first career poles in the Xfinity Series at Richmond and Martinsville in 2024 marked significant milestones for both him and Jordan Anderson Racing.
Parker Edward Retzlaff Career Wins
While Retzlaff has yet to secure a win in the national NASCAR series, his consistent top-ten and top-five finishes across ARCA and Xfinity Series races underscore his potential. His early career features several regional championships and strong finishes that highlight his competitive edge.
ARCA and Regional Series Highlights
Retzlaff’s ARCA Menards Series East career includes multiple top-ten finishes and a best points finish of fourth in 2020. His regional success includes winning the Wisconsin Bandolero Series championship in 2014 and strong showings in the Midwest Truck Series. These achievements reflect his steady development as a driver.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Retzlaff has earned multiple top-ten finishes and secured his first career poles in 2024. His best race finish to date is fourth place at Daytona in 2023, demonstrating his capability to compete at a high level in a national series.
Parker Edward Retzlaff Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Retzlaff’s family background and any racing lineage have not been publicly disclosed. He maintains a private personal life with limited information available about his parents or relatives.
Personal Life
Retzlaff resides in his hometown of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Outside of racing, he is a fan of NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson and enjoys playing basketball, working on race cars, and occasionally competing in iRacing simulations during his free time.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Retzlaff competed with Alpha Prime Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, delivering strong performances including a career-best second-place finish at Rockingham after a post-race disqualification. Despite not returning to Alpha Prime Racing for the 2026 season, his 2025 campaign showcased his growth and competitiveness in the series.
His consistent top finishes and ability to secure poles highlighted his development as a driver capable of contending for wins. The season also set the stage for his upcoming move to Viking Motorsports, where he aims to build on his momentum and achieve further success.
