The word “perseverance” sums up Hank Parker, JR’s first race in a Toyota Tundra.  The popular and talented driver attracted a one race primary sponsorship from the popular racing attraction “Daytona USA” and associate sponsorship from Whitehouse Apple Juice, Jenkins&Jenkins Law Firm, Daytona Toyota, and Daytona Harley-Davidson.  Parker, Jr. was looking to put all of his sponsors into victory lane and to attract a full time primary sponsor.

The week was great until the last practice session on Thursday evening.  Parker, Jr. went out for his last practice run and what was thought to be a blown engine turned out to be an ignition box failure.  The team was relieved that the motor was not the problem, and promptly replaced the ignition box. 

Parker, Jr. was in a great starting spot after qualifying 11th, he was looking to draft his way up front and was doing just that until the ignition box gremlins struck at lap 19 and had to switch to a backup ignition box.  After the caution flag dropped at lap 25, the team was able to replace both ignition boxes and get him back on the track only one lap down and in perfect position to get the “lucky dog” pass in order to get the lap back.  While Parker, Jr. was doing his best at gaining positions, the ignition box gremlins struck again at lap 32.  After switching to the backup ignition box, and avoiding the “big one”, the team was able to replace both ignition boxes under caution; restarted in 19th position at lap 60 and was able to pick up one more position to finish 18th. 

After the race Parker, Jr. said, “All week the truck was good, and the team has worked extremely hard on providing me with a truck that would run up front.  The ignition boxes were a problem but we were still able to finish respectably.  I can’t wait for Atlanta because I know that the ignition box problems will be fixed and we will take care of business.  I just want to thank George deBidart (Team owner) for giving me this opportunity, and Daytona USA, Whitehouse Apple Juice, Jenkins&Jenkins, Daytona Toyota, and Daytona Harley-Davidson for stepping up to sponsor this team.”