What’s Happening?
Thursday, Parker Retzlaff confirmed that he will not return to Jordan Anderson Racing in 2025. While the current job market is slim, there are open rides in both the Truck and Xfinity Series.
- Parker Retzlaff is a 21-year-old driver coming off his sophomore season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. This year, with JAR, Retzlaff has just two top-fives and four top-tens. However, in one Cup Series start, Retzlaff showed the level of promise most expected the young driver to have.
- Despite alleged drama with Chevrolet this season, insiders believe that his leaving JAR has nothing to do with the incident at Daytona. That may leave the door open at Chevrolet.
- One major note looking at known open rides is Retzlaff’s limited options outside of select Chevrolet teams.
RSS Racing
Looking at Retzlaff’s personal career history, a reunion with RSS Racing could be in play if he has to search outside the Chevrolet camp. It wouldn’t be the first reunion this season, and it could make for a great signing for the team.
Retzlaff made his Xfinity Series debut with RSS in 2022 and put up solid results for the team in his five starts. This stretch included a top-ten finish in his second career start at Richmond.
RSS’ plans for 2025 are unknown; there are rumors that Viking Motorsports could break off from the team, making room in their shop for another car. In 2024, the team fielded three full-time entries among five drivers.
OUR Motorsports
Who Are The Current (Confirmed) NASCAR Free Agents
What’s Happening? The 2025 NASCAR season is right around the corner, however, there are still names on the free agent market….
Another team that Retzlaff has a history with is our motorsports. This year, after a solid season with Anthony Alfredo behind the wheel, OUR Motorsports is exploring other options.
In 2022, Retzlaff made four starts with OUR Motorsports consistently finishing just outside the top 20. After fielding one of their best cars in recent history in 2024, perhaps returning to a young driver like Parker Retzlaff could be the next step toward success.
Once again, a major issue for Retzlaff will be the current driver’s market, as there are several proven winners in the free agent pool alongside very limited opportunities for quality rides.
Alpha Prime Racing
Ryan Ellis Leaving Alpha Prime in 2025
What’s Happening? Following the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, Ryan Ellis will leave Alpha Prime Racing, his longtime team. He is…
If Retzlaff wanted to stay at the Xfinity series level, there are two known open rides in the Chevrolet camp. While neither has a winning reputation, both teams are on equal footing or gaining on his past ride at Jordan Anderson Racing.
In mid-October, Ryan Ellis announced that he would leave Alpha Prime Racing for DGM Racing next season. This move leaves his former No. 43 open for 2025. Alpha Prime already has one full-time driver Brennan Poole, signed for 2025. However, he is re-signing with the team rather than entering the team.
This past season, Ellis finished 23rd in points, two behind Retzlaff in JAR No. 31. Moving to Alpha Prime would be more of a lateral move rather than up or down, but this late in the season, it could be Retzlaff’s only option.
McAnally-Hilgemann Racing
Rumor Mill: Daniel Hemric to the Truck Series?
What’s Happening? With the season coming to an end, the rumor mill has been awfully quiet about Hemric’s future. But, a…
One team known to be facing a major realignment this off-season is McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. The multi-truck operation is seeing its two youngest drivers, Christian Eckes and Daniel Dye, leave for the Xfinity Series.
Wow, this would be a step down for Retzlaff. It would be a fresh start at a competitive team and a chance to raise his stock for the future. However, Cup and Xfinity Series veteran Daniel Hemric is a likely candidate to land at MHR in 2025.
However, it is unknown whether Dye’s No. 43 is also an open option for free-agent drivers in 2025. As a free agent this late in the season, Retzlaff will likely have to consider the Truck Series if he wants a full-time ride next year.
Spire Motorsports
Rumor Mill: Daniel Hemric to the Truck Series?
What’s Happening? With the season coming to an end, the rumor mill has been awfully quiet about Hemric’s future. But, a…
While Spire Motorsports’s open ride is unconfirmed, there are rumors that the team is facing a major shakeup next season. But, it is unknown whether this shakeup could rotate in Retzlaff next season.
With more and more help from Chevrolet, Spire is constantly growing and getting more and more competitive. However, this would be a detriment to Retzlaff. He might have to battle with young up-and-coming like ARCA Champion Andrés Pérez for a spot.
Spire is an interesting option for the young driver. Unfortunately, opportunities at Spire are currently unknown.
Tricon Garage
Joe Gibbs Racing Signs Another Driver for 2025
What’s Happening? Taylor Gray is taking the next step in his NASCAR career in 2025. Wednesday, Joe Gibbs Racing announced that…
This one might be a stretch. However, considering Retzlaff’s sponsorship and reputation, it might be worth watching. Tricon Garage is seeing a major overhaul this off-season, with Taylor Gray heading to Joe Gibbs racing for 2025.
This move leaves the No. 17 truck open for the 2025 season. If Retzlaff has to explore options outside of Chevrolet, this is one of his only top-tier options as of right now.
The truck series open ride market is relatively unknown. However, should Retzlaff look outside the box, he brings the necessary sponsorship needed to get a ride in a competitive truck with sponsor FUNKAWAY.
However, Toyota has quite a wealth of talent available to fill this number 17 for next season. Furthermore, while he has made quality starts, Retzlaff’s stats would factor into such a dramatic shift.
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