YOUNG GUN – CHARLIE PARKER

Young Gun – Charlie Parker

Tasmanian Charlie Parker is already a leading contender in the local Hyundai Excel category, but motorsport is in his genes so it’s no surprise he is pedalling a race car.

By HEATH McALPINE

Parker is the grandson of multiple Australian GT and Sports Sedan champion Greg Crick, but has only stepped into circuit racing recently. He competed at both Race Tasmania events held in January, racing in the Hyundai Excels where he finished on the podium in one race at Symmons Plains at what was just his fifth race meeting.

Not only that, but he also had the help of Triple Eight Race Engineering’s Roland Dane during the Symmons Plains weekend, lending advice through the headset.

Parker described the weekend as one of his most enjoyable.

“It was one of the best weekends I’ve ever had,” he said. “It was great fun; we didn’t have any expectations as it was my fifth race meeting and I was just out there to have a go.

“It was very lucky I had Roland and he pulled me in the right direction. In the end we came out with a pretty good result, I finished in the top three so we were very happy with that.”

Parker hasn’t followed the traditional pathway into motorsport, driving around in paddock, on the beach and on clay, which is where he may have ended up if the opportunity to race an Excel hadn’t occurred

“We were actually talking about racing speedway before this came up, so we thought this was more suited to myself,” he explained.

How much of a help has Crick been to his young nephew?

“I didn’t know anything about racing, I’d never been in third gear until the first qualifying session I went out,” Parker said.

“I’ve been so lucky to have Greg just to teach me, we have a passenger seat in there and we go around the track as he teaches me.

“I think sometimes he’s driving for me!”

Following in his uncle’s footsteps is a decision he made himself and one Parker is glad he made.

“It was always going to happen,” reflected Parker. “I was always going to drive and I haven’t been forced, I’d only do it if I wanted to.”

After watching the Trans Am and TCR categories for the first time, Parker is eager to try either class, but is leaning towards the big V8 American brutes.

“Is pretty relative to Hyundais to some extent, but I really like the look of these Trans Am cars around here (Baskerville),” Parker said.

“It’s been great, especially for us younger guys because it showcases another avenue those guys could take if they’re looking to step up.”

Outside of circuit racing, Parker’s other main pursuit is restricted to water.

“We’ve always loved water skiing,” Parker said. “My uncle’s always done it then one day he said ‘come on, you have a crack now’ so I did and I’ve loved it ever since.

“I don‘t do it too much anymore because of the racing.”

This web edition of Young Guns aims to highlight some of the talents from within the junior ranks. If, like Charlie, you fit the criteria please email [email protected] with a blurb about yourself, the categories you’ve competed in, some imagery to go with the story and contact details.

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