5/18/2026
Knoxville Raceway
WIDE OPEN: Jace Park Turning Heads
KNOXVILLE, Iowa (May 17, 2026) — by Joanne Cram
Nineteen-year-old Overland Park, Kansas racer Jace Park has hit the Sprint Car Capital of the World running. With fourth- and fifth-place finishes in the first two weeks of weekly competition, as well as feature appearances on both World of Outlaws nights, Park currently sits fourth in the Knoxville Raceway 410 championship standings.
Park has raced at Knoxville several times in the past three seasons, but his commitment to running the full 410 season is new.
Jace began his racing career at the ripe age of seven in go karts, where he raced a few years locally. He then took his karting to a national level before moving up to micro sprints. Jace’s talent caught the eye of Frank Flud, where he primarily ran the 600 series and bigger events such as the Tulsa Shootout. Park was the 16th driver in history to make all four main events at Tulsa Shootout in 2023. He also finished 2nd in the stock non-wing class.
Moving up the open wheel ranks in 2022, Jace began running midgets with Chad Boat part time as well as the USAC National Midget Series and the POWRi midget series. After just a year of experience, Park had a 2nd place finish racing for Chase McDermand at Port City Raceway.
The following season, Park started racing 360 sprint cars with the Morton family out of Tulsa, with Johnny Herrera turning the wrenches and mentoring the rookie sprint car driver.
“The biggest adjustment moving to the 360 was the pace of the racing and the control of the car. It’s a whole other feel and racing experience,” Park reflected.
When asked about the transition to the sprint car, Jace recalled that the Morton family connection was coordination by Frank Flud. Johnny Herrera was helping Mortons at the time, and Jace ran a season in the 360 with them, running midwest shows and both regional and National ASCS shows. Park had an ASCS win at Elk City that inaugural season in the 360. “It was a very humbling experience working with Johnny,” Park stated.
In 2024, Park started a 410 program and was able to run with the World of Outlaws and High Limit. “We got our feet wet with them and at Knoxville. One of our highest finishes included 8th at Knoxville. The Outlaws and High Limit races were a year of growing, and I had a good run at Lucas Oil at the Hockett.”
The 2025 season began with a few races with Johnny, then they parted ways. Park then went to the west coast to run with the California series, NARC in the Dominic Gordon 410 as well as Clayton Snow’s car. “We had good run the last race of year at the Trophy Cup in Tulare. We finished 3rd on our prelim night and a hard charge in feature after a couple infield stops,” Jace reflected on the year.
For the upcoming 2026 season, Jace had big plans. It all started with phone calls to Brian Brown and brainstorming ideas together. Jace pitched the idea of Brian serving as a sort of general manager for his up-and-coming team. After several in-person meetings last fall, the duo developed a solid plan to bring Brian’s expertise on board.
“November 1 was our first day of work. Things happened slowly, and it was a long winter of work and preparation. We made a plan to race weekly at Knoxville in my own 28 car.”
Brian Brown has taken Park under his wing, allowing him to use his shop during the winter while helping oversee and develop the program.
“This is a wonderful opportunity, and I can’t be more thankful for Brian, for all he’s done, as well as my crew chief, Chase Porter,” Park stated.
Park continues to keep his race operation in Missouri next to Brown’s shop, only a 40-minute drive from his home.
“We work till we’re done; starting early Monday to wash and prep, then Tuesday we do maintenance on car and engine. We never know if the week will be Monday through Friday, or a Monday through Wednesday and maybe sneak in some golf at the end of the week,” Park commented on his weekly schedule.
They plan to race a few World of Outlaws and High Limit shows that happen to be close to Missouri and Kansas, as well as local POWRi races that fit into the schedule.
The No. 28 carries special meaning for Jace.
“It’s a tribute to my mom, Laura. She passed away several years ago. My birthday is June 28, Mom’s is November 28, so the 28 is symbolic. Dad’s number was always 56, and I ran the 56 for go karts and micros. Half of 56 is 28, so I decided to run that number for my mom, Laura Park.”
Jace graduated high school last May and is 100% dedicated to being a full-time race car driver.
“I hope to replicate what Brian has built. That would be a dream world for me. Dad is a big part of my program as well. He’s done a lot to support and provide for me. It’s fun to see him down in the pits and be an extra set of hands on my program. The whole operation and team takes everybody to succeed,” Jace said.
The crew includes cousin Zander Taylor, Nate Steinhaus, father Jason Park, and crew chief Chase Porter. Jace also credited members of Brian Brown’s team — Chad Morgan, JB, and Balls — for their support.
Goals for the season include being competitive in the Knoxville Raceway points race, with a top five finish serving as a realistic target.
“I want to be realistic with my expectations. I want to keep my head down and be consistent every time I’m on the track. Long-term, I want to keep developing my program and build partnerships and sponsors so I can race full-time with a touring series. I’d like to be a professional sprint car driver and replicate what Brian has done.”
Sponsors include: Associates Insurance Group, Impact Signs/Awnings/Wraps, Adki Landscaping, FinanciaLife Outfitters, Clem Helmets, Maxim Racing, Weld, Flying A Motorsports, Schoenfeld Headers, Allstar Performance.
The Jace Park #28 is actively seeking additional partners to help continue building the program.
Jace park can be followed on social media at the following links:
Instagram: @JaceParkk
X: @JacePark28
Facebook: Jace Park
Article Credit: Joanne Cram
Submitted By: Eric Arnold
