Parker 400 2021
Parker 400 2021
So with Covid going on and the uncertainty of races getting postponed or not happening, I've been picking ones to do at the last minute.
Last weekend was the Best in the Desert Parker 400, and it seemed like a course that would not be to tough on my car, "El Gusano". The Parker race is split up into two days of racing with mostly buggies on Friday and the bigger faster trucks on Saturday, which is nice since it is not fun to be holding up a big truck. Parker is also a loop race consisting of 125 mile laps. the fast cars get three laps and the slower and Vintage class that I was in do two laps.
The Vintage class has four entries with two older ford trucks with modern suspension, an older Class 1 buggy and then my pretty much stock suspension Manx. Vintage class is pretty open in BITD and it's just nice that they let me race, even being out matched.
The race went well for us. My son Kevin was my co-driver for the first lap and then my normal co-driver Joe hopped in for the second lap. We had Filmore at the main pit and Jim took care of pit 3 at Midway. Other than fuel and one tire change for a bent rim at the main pit, we kept the car moving all day.
We almost got second place in class with one of the trucks breaking down and the Class 1 had some issues but past us in the last few miles of the race, putting us in third. We did manage to finish our 250 miles with the sun still up in 7 hours and 43 minutes. Not to bad for a little Manx.
Last weekend was the Best in the Desert Parker 400, and it seemed like a course that would not be to tough on my car, "El Gusano". The Parker race is split up into two days of racing with mostly buggies on Friday and the bigger faster trucks on Saturday, which is nice since it is not fun to be holding up a big truck. Parker is also a loop race consisting of 125 mile laps. the fast cars get three laps and the slower and Vintage class that I was in do two laps.
The Vintage class has four entries with two older ford trucks with modern suspension, an older Class 1 buggy and then my pretty much stock suspension Manx. Vintage class is pretty open in BITD and it's just nice that they let me race, even being out matched.
The race went well for us. My son Kevin was my co-driver for the first lap and then my normal co-driver Joe hopped in for the second lap. We had Filmore at the main pit and Jim took care of pit 3 at Midway. Other than fuel and one tire change for a bent rim at the main pit, we kept the car moving all day.
We almost got second place in class with one of the trucks breaking down and the Class 1 had some issues but past us in the last few miles of the race, putting us in third. We did manage to finish our 250 miles with the sun still up in 7 hours and 43 minutes. Not to bad for a little Manx.
- jsturtlebuggy
- Posts: 652
- Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2010 5:00 am
Re: Parker 400 2021
Thanks Jon for posting all the pictures and how you did. It looks like you all are having a great time with racing the Manx.
Joseph
Manx Club #1095
Having fun with Buggies since 1970
Worked in VWs in shops since 1970
Manx Club #1095
Having fun with Buggies since 1970
Worked in VWs in shops since 1970
Re: Parker 400 2021
Very cool. Hopefully we'll get a chance to do the same in Apr (NORRA).
Thanks for sharing the action pics.
Thanks for sharing the action pics.
Bud Zeller
Wilmington, NC
Manx Club Member Since 2004 - #2475
Member of the Manx Club's Long Haul League - 2015
2018 NORRA Mexican 1000 - #1356 - Bad News Racing
2022 NORRA Mexican 1000 - #3347 - Bad News Racing & ACME Companies
2023 NORRA Mexican 1000 - #1356 - Bad News Racing
'68 Meyers Manx - M1996F826S
'66 VW Kombi Bus
'73 VW Thing
Wilmington, NC
Manx Club Member Since 2004 - #2475
Member of the Manx Club's Long Haul League - 2015
2018 NORRA Mexican 1000 - #1356 - Bad News Racing
2022 NORRA Mexican 1000 - #3347 - Bad News Racing & ACME Companies
2023 NORRA Mexican 1000 - #1356 - Bad News Racing
'68 Meyers Manx - M1996F826S
'66 VW Kombi Bus
'73 VW Thing
Re: Parker 400 2021
Racing the Manx has definitely been fun and we are looking forward to NORRA also.
Here are a few video's from the race:
Video by Turn 2 TV
Here are a few video's from the race:
Video by Turn 2 TV
- jsturtlebuggy
- Posts: 652
- Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2010 5:00 am
Re: Parker 400 2021
Watching the videos I can see your ride is worst then a Class 11 with the shorter wheelbase the buggy has.
You are some tuff people to do that. More power to you and keep having fun.
You are some tuff people to do that. More power to you and keep having fun.
Joseph
Manx Club #1095
Having fun with Buggies since 1970
Worked in VWs in shops since 1970
Manx Club #1095
Having fun with Buggies since 1970
Worked in VWs in shops since 1970
Re: Parker 400 2021
It's really not that bad in the car, I have some good seats and I don't drive that fast.
Re: Parker 400 2021
Once again you guys ROCK! It's awesome to see you guys getting out there and getting it done! Hats Off!
Mike Dario
Mohave Valley, AZ
Manx Club #957
Manx Club President
Tow'd (Hers)
Manxvair (His)
Manxter Dual Sport #30 Baja Edition #2 (Ours)
Resorter #19-Fuscia(under construction)
Mohave Valley, AZ
Manx Club #957
Manx Club President
Tow'd (Hers)
Manxvair (His)
Manxter Dual Sport #30 Baja Edition #2 (Ours)
Resorter #19-Fuscia(under construction)
- vincent9993
- Posts: 793
- Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 5:00 am
Re: Parker 400 2021
Thanks for sharing! Those are awesome pictures! Very impressive!!!