First, it was Martin Truex Jr. who announced his retirement. And now it is, Parker Kligerman, the analyst for NBCSN’s weekday show NASCAR America who also serves as a pit reporter for selective Tier 1 and Tier 2 races. However, before retiring from competitive racing, he is ready for a final push in the Xfinity Series Playoffs to vie for the championship, hoping to bring a 15-year journey in stock car racing to a photo finish.

“I will not be returning to Big Machine Racing next year. Not only that, but this will be my last year as a full-time racecar driver in a NASCAR series, and in general being a racecar driver. I’m no longer pursuing full-time rides,” Kligerman said in his parting statement.

This sudden mid-season announcement comes as a surprise to many, as only in the last two seasons has the #48 driver begun to show some consistency. However, you’ll be surprised to know his reasons for retirement.

Kligerman’s career includes 109 Xfinity Series races with 47 top-10 finishes, one pole, and three wins. In the Truck Series, he competed in 117 races with three wins, two poles, and 53 top-10 finishes, also making part-time Cup Series appearances. Despite a career-best average finish of 12.54 this season and close calls, including a recent finish behind Austin Hill at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Kligerman’s retirement announcement has surprised many.

Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, he said, “I think couple months ago it sort of hit me. It was a feeling that started small, as a thought and then it kept growing and growing. And before you know it, you cannot ignore it. And it’s a lot of discussion, internal and external. Was able to talk with Scott a lot and he was so supportive and so gracious and kind. It just felt right.” Despite not getting the success he’d hoped for, the BMR driver is satisfied and grateful for his journey.

“I was just a kid who saw racing on TV when I was 9 years old. No one in my family had even heard of a race car. Or knew that it was a thing that existed. And somehow through the graciousness of incredible people and incredible opportunities, I got to make a career out of it,” he added.

The NBC pit reporter and race car driver started racing at age 9. By 16, Kligerman was part of Penske Racing’s development program. In 2008, he drove the No. 77 Dodge in ARCA, finishing second in points as a rookie in 2009, and also debuted in the Nationwide Series with a pole at Kansas Speedway and later drove for Team 42 Racing.

Ending his career isn’t easy on him, as nobody would like to end their career winless. Based on his current form, the #48 Chevy could qualify for a back-to-back playoff and compete for the championships before ending his career. While he still has this season to prove his talent and skill, fans were left speculating on the driver/analyst’s career.

What are Kligerman’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs?

If the 2023 season showed anything, it was that Kligerman has the potential to run with the top contenders in the series. Kligerman had a great 2023 season, making it to the playoffs before getting eliminated in the Round of 12. He drove the No. 48 car impressively, racking up eight top-5 finishes and 18 top-10s, with an average finish of 13.2. He also ended the year ranked 10th in the standings.

Currently, Kligerman is in the 11th position in the playoff picture with a +74 points cushion above the cutoff line. Behind him is Sammy Smith with +44 points. Two races remain before the round of 12 of the playoffs: Watkins Glen International and Bristol Motor Speedway. The #48 driver has a great record on The Glen. In the last year’s edition of the race, he finished 3rd there. The race was a display of skills. After qualifying 14th, he showed consistency throughout the race by finishing 10th in both stages.

However, The Glen won’t be easy this year as the road course king, Shane van Gisbergen, will be eyeing his fourth Xfinity Series win of 2024. Despite that, Kligerman has consistency backing him. So far in the season, he has had four top-five finishes and eleven top-10s. If he continues with the same consistency, the path to the last playoffs should be an easy one; possibly top-five finishes in both races should be enough.

What do you think are his chances of qualifying and competing for the championship? Let us know in the comments below.