Pirelli Paddock Pass: Parker Chase

Parker Chase makes the step up to the Pirelli World Challenge GT class this year in an Audi R8 LMS for TruSpeed AutoSport.

The 2016 GTS Rookie of the Year already has a wealth of experience racing around the world, and this week in the Pirelli Paddock Pass, the 17 year old looks ahead to the next step in his racing career.

How excited are you to step up into the GT class of Pirelli World Challenge this year?

“I’m beyond excited. I’ve been looking forward to stepping up to GT3 for a while now and to be competing against drivers like Patrick Long and others that have been in the sport for quite sometime will be an enjoyable challenge.

“I have my goals set high and am determined to achieve them. To compete in this level of competition in the Pirelli World Challenge program is extremely exciting.”

What in your previous experience do you expect to draw from to help get up to speed in a new car and class?

“I drove a Ginetta GT4 for two years in World Challenge, as well as a few races overseas in the Ginetta GT3.

“My biggest learning experience I feel that helped me the most is when I drove a Porsche 911R in GTD at the Circuit of the Americas.

“That weekend alone taught me a lot about GT3 racing and what I can expect from the level of drivers in GT.”

What do you think the benefits of have a teammate like Ryan Dalziel will be for the SprintX rounds?

“Driving alongside someone with as much experience and talent as Ryan has will be a huge benefit to growing my personal skills.

“His experience in GT3 is an asset that is super valuable and I believe that we will be able to compete for overalls wins throughout the season.

“Ryan has competed in all levels and is arguably one of the best sports car drivers in the country. To share a car with him is something special.

“We also have a great team in TruSpeed AutoSport, a great car in Audi as well as marketing partners that we want to take to the top step of the podium.”

How does the Audi R8 LMS compare to other cars you’ve driven in your career?

“The Audi R8 is my favorite car I have driven to date. It is a recognizable brand around the world and I am proud to be able to support them in my racing program. It is definitely a beast of a car!

“I have some great sponsors as well including Vertical Bridge, New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau, ProBalance Protein Water and Sparco.”

Which event on the calendar are you most looking forward to?

“Most definitely Long Beach. Its one of the most iconic street races in the world and from what I hear it is the most fun race of the year.

“Having multiple different series there will make for good entertainment in my down time. St. Pete is special to me as well as it was the site of my first podium of the 2017 season.

“Circuit of the Americas is close to home so I have a lot of friends and family that come and watch. Honestly, I am looking forward to them all.”