Parker White is a full-time freshman aviation student at the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA). When he’s not engrossed in his studies, you’ll find him behind the wheel of his racing simulator, honing the skills that led him to clinch his first eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series Championship. His ability to manage both demanding schedules highlights his commitment and time-management skills, and his success is a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Though sim races are run virtually, often from the comfort of one’s own home, eNASCAR is a global competition that has been operating for over 15 years. Racers from around the world compete in several qualifying rounds, aiming to land in the top 40 for a chance to race before a live audience for $100,000 in first-place prize money, bragging rights, and team contract offers.
His victory in the final race of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series was nothing short of exhilarating. In the highly anticipated finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Parker demonstrated exceptional racing prowess. The tension peaked in the final laps, where Parker’s strategic moves and unwavering focus drove him to victory. You can watch his nail-biting finale driving car #53 here. His triumph was celebrated not only by his fans and family, but also by racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., who presented him with the championship trophy, the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Cup.
For Parker, iRacing has been more than just a fun hobby; he enjoys reciprocal benefits between racing and flying. “My driving and flying skills have helped with each other—the attention to detail going through flight checklists and race prep, as well as the precision needed to bank a corner with a car or land a plane safely. I’ve really honed my focus,” says Parker. “Also, communication and working together as a team—we have to work together as a team every single race.”
Parker’s championship win has had a significant impact, both personally and within the sim racing community. For Parker, this victory represents the culmination of countless hours of practice, dedication, and skill refinement. It also solidifies his reputation as one of the top sim racers in the world.
While he could easily make a career out of iRacing, Parker is aiming for the sky, “I’ve loved airplanes for as long as he can remember.” Parker will be funding his aviation education with a portion of his prize money. “I chose UMA because it is close to home and has a very good aviation program. When looking at colleges, UMA made the most sense to me.” After attaining a bachelor of science degree in Aviation at UMA, Parker plans to become a pilot for a major commercial airline.
Parker White’s journey is far from over and his future looks incredibly bright. Balancing these two demanding pursuits, Parker embodies dedication and passion, inspiring his peers and fellow racers. Whether it’s in the skies or on the virtual track, Parker is set to make a lasting impact.