‘I am determined’: Local driver Parker Nicklin, 18, working to be next IndyCar star

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 | 2 a.m.

Henderson’s Parker Nicklin could not have asked for a better surprise on his 18th birthday.

Nicklin, open-wheel race car driving prodigy, was accepted as an IndyCar development driver with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, receiving a letter last month on his birthday welcoming him to the team.

“It is our desire to provide technical assistance, mentoring, marketing guidance and instruction throughout the process,” Sam Schmidt, the respected IndyCar owner who also lives in Henderson, wrote.

That was music to Nicklin’s ears.

He’s been one of the best teenage drivers regionally, but taking the next step involves a big-time financial commitment most up-and-comers can’t afford.

Reaching IndyCar, which is still several race victories and championships on development circuits out of Nicklin’s reach, involves more than being the best driver. You also have to have the best car and race team.

There were just 23 full-time drivers in IndyCar this past season. Needless to say, Nicklin’s chances of eventually reaching the circuit were greatly enhanced thanks to the agreement with Schmidt.

“He’s known for bringing guys to Indy. They love bringing guys from the bottom,” Nicklin said. “It’s been surreal the past week or so, especially getting the letter of acceptance on my birthday.”

Schmidt spent three seasons racing on top circuits in the late 1990s, but had his career end prematurely when he was paralyzed from the shoulders down after an accident in testing 14 years ago. Unable to drive, Schmidt found another way to continue his passion for racing. Team management was his next calling.

He takes inexperienced drivers such as Nicklin and breeds them for the next level. His team is the most successful in the history of the Indy Lights Series, winning the series championship in 2004, ‘06 and ‘07 with different drivers. Indy Lights is the series before IndyCar.

Nicklin envisions himself being next.

“We are trying to provide him a road map to get there,” Schmidt said. “One of the critical things, he is doing this on his own. He is not relying on daddy’s wallet to get it done. He has done anything we have asked him to do outside the car. He has gone to the end of the earth to get it done.

“His strength are his determination and his great attitude,” Schmidt continued.

Nicklin’s passion started as a 3-year-old when his father took him to the Long Beach Grand Prix. He was attracted to the sound of the cars and their speed, quickly developing a lifelong passion. That day, his father bought him an electric go-kart.

He raced gas go-carts in grade school and graduated to a Spec Miata racecar by the time he was a teenager. When it was time to attend high school, Nicklin was home-schooled so he could drive formula open-wheel cars in the Skip Barber Racing Series Championship Shootout. The 20-race series is competed in seven states.

For someone so young, Nicklin has significant time behind the wheel. That experiences gives him confidence he can excel in his next adventure.

“Patience is a big thing, but you have to be aggressive when you have to be aggressive,” he described his driving style. “You have to be smart to aggressive.”

Nicklin will soon move to the race team’s facility in Indianapolis, starting a journey to become more intimate with racing. It’s everything from driving, beginning in a fitness program and getting hands-on mentoring from the team’s experienced staff.

That includes Schmidt, who Nicklin is eager to learn from.

“Sam is incredible. Just a fantastic guy,” Nicklin said. “He’s built a racing dynasty. He tells me to be myself on and off the track. He says to always be who you are and always have fun with it. It you aren’t having fun with it, don’t participate.”

Nicklin has long dreamed of racing in the Indianapolis 500, an event he still hasn’t attended as a fan. But he knows that dream will be on hold for a few more years — he’ll need to progress through the Skip Barber Racing Series Championship Shootout, Pro Mazda Championship and Indy Lights.

“It’s super competitive and super hard to go up the steps,” Nicklin said. “But I feel good about my chances. I am comfortable in the car. I have won races. I am determined.”

And he’s also determined to be a superstar off the course. Schmidt raves about Nicklin’s willingness to make public appearances, which includes being part of a safe driving campaign for the Nevada Department Public of Safety.

“In my 20 years in the business I’ve met my share of prima donnas,” Schmidt said. “If you have to talk with (a driver’s) management or parents, that’s a game-stopper for me right there. I want to talk with the kid. I want to see his determination and passion. That’s Parker. He gets it.”

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21