Mohave Valley wins helping Parmeley set early pace in race for IMCA rookie awards

PHOENIX, Ariz. – It didn’t take long for John Parmeley to get his IMCA Xtreme Motor Sports Modified figured out and dialed in.

The top driver in current Larry Shaw Racing Western Region and national rookie of the year standings, Parmeley raced to his career first win in the division on Feb. 21 at Mohave Valley Raceway.

He returned to the same venue to earn his second checkers on March 7.

“I was not expecting to get a win this early in my Modified career. To get two already is kind of unreal,” admitted Parmeley, 17 years old and a senior at Boulder Creek High School. “My first feature win has definitely been the highlight of the season so far. When I came across the finish line, it was unbelievable.”

Son of long-time driver Joe Parmeley and younger brother to J.C. Parmeley, IMCA’s Western Region rookie of the year in 2012, he raced a local pure stock – similar to an IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stock but with Hoosier G-60 tires – before moving up to the sanctioned division.

“I’ve enjoyed the competition. In the other class, it seemed like there were just a couple drivers who had the chance to win,” Parmeley said. “And the driving style between the two classes is completely different. The biggest difference is when to be on the gas and when to get off it.”

“In a Modified, you’ve got to be on your game to get a win because everybody is fast. There are people I’m racing against now who I’ve idolized since I was little,” he continued. “I love to look over and see that I’m racing side-by-side with guys like R.C. Whitwell. To be like R.C. is one of my goals.”

His crew members include parents Joe and Jackie and brother J.C.

Parmeley is sponsored by Klein Engines, BRT Signs, Goofy Tools and One Good Punch Clothing, all of Phoenix, and Champion Race Oils of Clinton, Mo.

“I think I’m going to be in a Modified for a while,” he said. “It’s not a super expensive division. You can have a good car without spending tons of money.”

After graduating this spring, he’ll race close to home before attending the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima and enrolling in high performance motorsports and diesel technology programs. Parmeley will be able to continue honing his driving skills while a student at UNOH.