Parker Retzlaff’s NASCAR journey has taken an exciting new turn following a controversial 2024 season. The 21-year-old Wisconsin native has secured a full-time ride with Alpha Prime Racing for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 4 Chevrolet. This move marks a pivotal moment for Retzlaff, offering him a chance to silence critics and reignite his career after a tumultuous year.
A New Chapter with Alpha Prime Racing
Alpha Prime Racing’s announcement on Wednesday was a significant milestone for both the team and Retzlaff. Co-owners Caesar Bacarella and Tommy Joe Martins are looking to take their organization to the next level, and Retzlaff’s addition signals their ambition.
“He’s a young, really talented racecar driver, and he’s going to help elevate the team,” Bacarella said.
Retzlaff brings an impressive, albeit inconsistent, resume to Alpha Prime. Across 75 Xfinity Series starts, he has three top-five finishes, 12 top-tens, and two pole positions. Despite a challenging sophomore season that included 12 DNFs, flashes of brilliance, like a career-best third-place finish at Daytona, highlight his potential.
A Controversial Departure from Jordan Anderson Racing
Retzlaff’s 2024 campaign ended on a sour note when Jordan Anderson Racing (JAR) parted ways with him. His exit followed a controversial moment during the August Cup Series race at Daytona, where Retzlaff, driving the No. 62 Chevrolet for Bear Motorsports, chose to push Harrison Burton’s Ford to victory instead of assisting Kyle Busch, a fellow Chevrolet driver.
The incident sparked criticism, with some speculating that Chevrolet’s displeasure influenced JAR’s decision. Retzlaff defended his actions, emphasizing loyalty to his sponsors:
“The end of the race isn’t how I wanted it to work with pushing a Ford, but I also didn’t want to give up everything with how much FunkAway has done for me,” he explained.
While funding issues and a lack of consistency were also factors, the Daytona drama added fuel to the fire. Retzlaff expressed gratitude toward JAR in his departure announcement, saying,
“I can’t thank Jordan Anderson and John Bommarito enough for allowing me to chase my dream.”
Alpha Prime’s Bold Move
For Alpha Prime Racing, signing Retzlaff signals their intent to climb the Xfinity Series ladder. The team, which secured 18th in owner points last season with Brennan Poole, is banking on Retzlaff’s raw talent and determination to deliver results.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs, but Tommy and I agree it’s all about the people,” Bacarella said. “Now we’ve got two ace drivers in the stable full-time.”
Retzlaff joins Poole in a lineup brimming with potential as Alpha Prime aims to compete with NASCAR’s elite teams.
Daytona: Redemption on the Horizon
The 2025 season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, the site of Retzlaff’s infamous controversy. For the young driver, the race offers a golden opportunity to rewrite the narrative and prove his worth on one of NASCAR’s biggest stages.
“We all want to win races, be consistent, and prove we’re here to compete,” Retzlaff said. “Everyone here has told me how much they believe in me and what I can do.”
With sponsorship and crew chief details forthcoming, excitement is building around Retzlaff’s fresh start. The 21-year-old sees the move as more than just a new opportunity—it’s a chance to establish himself as one of NASCAR’s rising stars.
Looking Ahead
Parker Retzlaff’s journey from controversy to redemption is a story of resilience. While his departure from JAR left questions about his future, his signing with Alpha Prime Racing represents a clean slate. Backed by a team with big aspirations and a proven ability to nurture talent, Retzlaff has all the tools to succeed.
As the Xfinity Series gears up for an action-packed 2025 season, all eyes will be on the No. 4 Chevrolet. For Retzlaff, the goal is clear: prove his doubters wrong, capitalize on his potential, and solidify his place among NASCAR’s next generation of stars.