Celebration of life is July 6 for Ed Parker

MERCED, Calif. – Family and friends will celebrate the life of Merced Speedway owner and promoter Ed Parker on Friday, July 6, at the fairgrounds.

Parker, 51, died unexpectedly on Tuesday morning.

“His goal when he took charge at Merced was to make it a great track for racers and he was well on his way to achieving that,” said IMCA President Brett Root, noting increased car counts and grandstand numbers at Merced during Parker’s tenure. “Very few people in this industry had the passion for motorsports that Ed did, as a fan, driver, car owner and eventually as a promoter. Our sympathies go to his family and many friends.”

Survivors include his wife Patricia, son Cody, who races in the Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMod division, his father Moses Parker and sister Beth Pfau.

Evergreen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and donations can be made sent payable to: Cody Parker at PO Box 3154 in Merced, 95344

The Celebration of Life starts at 11 a.m. in the fairgrounds pavilion.