Pilot, engineer, mechanic

The ex-Air Force and commercial pilot was a backbone of air racing, competing in two classes from 1971 to 2016, winning four national championships and setting numerous speed records. In 1967, Parker formed Reno-based American Air Racing to support racing aircraft using his design, engineering and mechanical skills. After his first International Formula 1 race in 1972, John went on to win three championships (1977, 1979, 1980), two with Wild Turkey, a unique aircraft that he built, setting records that stood for 20 years. John moved up to the Sport Class from 2001, primarily with Thunder Mustangs, a scaled-down P-51 with a Falconer V8 that he also built. He achieved seven fast qualifiers, many second places and a championship (2015). A fan favorite, Parker was the go-to guy for Thunder Mustangs helping others improve their planes and helping develop the class. In 2005, Parker set two world speed records with Blue Thunder. After Blue Thunder burned to the ground after a brake issue, fan support helped him build Blue Thunder II.