All it took was a simple tweet by MBM Motorsports, which led to Parker Retzlaff eventually securing his Cup Series debut. Yes, you read that right. With Federated Auto Parts 400 on the horizon, MBM Motorsports asked fans on X whether they should return to the NASCAR Cup Series at Richmond Raceway. Now, they are not only on the entry list for the event, but Retzlaff will be making his Cup Series debut in the No. 66 MBM Motorsports Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

According to confirmed reports, NASCAR has set some conditions for Retzlaff to be eligible to race at Daytona, which means the opportunity to race for MBM Motorsports at Richmond Raceway is exactly what he needed to compete at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 later this year.

Parker Retzlaff to make Cup Series debut at Federated Auto Parts 400

How great would it be if Parker Retzlaff secured a win at Daytona International Speedway? Unlike other tracks, superspeedways are notoriously unpredictable, and with the 21-year-old getting the chance to race at the iconic track with Beard Motorsports in the No. 62 Chevrolet Camaro, he is in with a chance to do the unthinkable. Retzlaff was expected to make his debut at Daytona, but NASCAR placed a condition that he would need a Cup Series appearance at a non-superspeedway track to be eligible to race at the Coke Zero Sugar 400, prompting a change of plans.

As a result, Retzlaff will be making his Cup Series debut with MBM Motorsports instead, driving the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at Federated Auto Parts 400. While Retzlaff is unlikely to do a Shane van Gisbergen and secure a victory on his debut race, Richmond Raceway will give him valuable experience before he makes his second Cup Series appearance at Daytona later this year. With NASCAR giving Cup Series teams access to two Goodyear tire options for the first time in a points-paying race, anything can happen if MBM Motorsports gets its strategy right.

Currently driving the No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro for Jordan Anderson Racing, Parker Retzlaff made a strong start to his Xfinity Series season in 2024. He finished in the top five in his opening two races, securing a third-place result at Daytona, and a fifth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway. However, no wins and 7 DNFs in 20 races have forced Retzlaff to settle for 17th in the driver standings. With six races remaining before the regular Xfinity Series season ends, Retzlaff is looking for a victory to guarantee a playoff spot.

Excitement is at an all-time high as NASCAR Cup Series action is finally set to resume after a two-week-long Olympics break. Parker Retzlaff secured his first and only pole of the season at Richmond Raceway in the Xfinity Series in 2024, and a similar result in the Cup Series will place him in a good position for a strong finish at Federated Auto Parts 400. While he may have wished that his Cup Series debut was made at Daytona International Speedway, getting the grips of NASCAR’s top tier before heading to the 2.950-mile track could help him be more prepared.

Retzlaff expresses his excitement for Daytona

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Before NASCAR placed a condition that Parker Retzlaff will be required to make a Cup Series appearance on a non-superspeedway track, the 21-year-old was all set to make his debut at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on August 24th. While the plan remains the same, the Wisconsin native will be competing in his second race at Daytona International Speedway, driving for Beard Motorsports’ No. 62 Chevrolet Camaro. The team made its Cup Series debut in the 2017 Daytona 500, and the No. 62 car has been previously driven by Brendan Gaughan, Noah Gragson, Justin Allgaier, and Anthony Alfredo.

When asked about his thoughts on racing at Daytona, Parker Retzlaff said, “This is the goal – racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, and especially racing at Daytona. It’s what I have been working for and it’s what everyone that races in the lower series work toward. It’s an exciting time getting ready to make my first start in the Cup Series and it’s an incredible opportunity to do this with Beard Motorsports. Everyone in the NASCAR garage knows what that team is capable of, especially at the superspeedways, so I’m just really excited and ready for this chance.”

Beard Motorsports is a family-run team that was founded by the late Mark Beard Sr. Since he died in 2021, his wife Linda Beard has been operating as team owner while her children Amie and Mark Jr. have been responsible for team management and operations. The No. 62 Beard Motorsports team will be competing in their third race of the season at Daytona International Speedway, having finished 27th in the season-opening Daytona 500 and securing a sixth-place result in the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.

What are your thoughts about Parker Retzlaff’s chances at the Federated Auto Parts 400? Let us know in the comments!