curated by GRRL! updated: January 28, 2026

Bio Excerpt: Ahnna Parkhurst turned dirt Late Model racing into a love letter to her cancer-fighting mother, climbing behind the wheel at 13 and immediately serving notice she belonged. Her 2013 Mini-Outlaw rookie season delivered 12 wins in 42 starts, catching Richard Childress Racing’s attention and earning her... (full bio below ↓↓)

Ahnna Parkhurst

NASCAR racer

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Ahnna's Socials:

I got into my first go kart when I was 13. I’m now 21 years old, and I’ve decided to step away from racing

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Ahnna's Details:

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Birthday:

2000 (≈26)

Birthplace:

Fulton, Georgia

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NASCAR racing

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racing status:

Pro

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GRRL-0962

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LATEST Ahnna NEWS:

(1) news stories

DANICA PATRICK Changed NASCAR Forever—Even When They Didn’t Want Her To

November 30, 2025

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YouTube VIDS about Ahnna:

Lifestyles Of The Dirt Track Famous-Ep;5. “The Georgia Peach” Ahnna Parkhurst. | Ahnna Parkhurst

January 17, 2021 / views: 35350 / run: 00:08:31

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Ahnna's full bio:

(last updated 2026-01-27

Ahnna Parkhurst made her mark on dirt Late Model racing with grit, talent, and a mission that went far beyond the checkered flag—she raced to honor her mother’s battle with cancer and proved she belonged in a sport dominated by men.

EARLY YEARS

Born in 2000, Ahnna grew up in Evans, Georgia, in a family that would be forever shaped by resilience and love[1]. Her mother, Laurie Parkhurst, had reconnected with and married her high school sweetheart, Michael, in 1997[2]. Together, they raised Ahnna and her younger sister Sophia, born in 2003, through circumstances that would have broken most families. Laurie battled cancer extensively throughout most of her daughters’ young lives, yet she never let the disease keep her from being present for her girls[3]. When Ahnna was just 15 years old and already making waves on the racetrack, she was racing not just for victory lanes but to honor her mother’s fight[4]. Tragically, Laurie passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of strength that would fuel Ahnna’s driving career and the creation of Laurie’s Fund at the Translational Genomics Research Institute to speed discoveries in breast cancer treatment[5].

OTHER INTERESTS

With her sister Sophia serving as her racing manager throughout her career, the Parkhurst sisters demonstrated that motorsports success could be a family affair[6]. Beyond the racetrack, the family’s story inspired Southern Time Clothing, a brand with a touching backstory connected to Laurie’s battle and the girls’ Southern roots[7]. Ahnna’s dedication to her mother’s memory extended beyond racing—she and her family worked to ensure Laurie’s Fund would help other families fighting cancer, turning personal tragedy into hope for others.

EARLY SUCCESS

Parkhurst’s racing career launched in 2013 when she climbed into a Mini-Outlaw at just 13 years old[8]. Her rookie season was nothing short of spectacular—she found victory lane 12 times in 42 starts, immediately establishing herself as a driver to watch[9]. The following year, she continued her dominance in Mini-Outlaws, racking up 13 wins and 12 second-place finishes in 42 races at Millbridge, North Carolina[10]. Her natural talent caught the attention of one of NASCAR’s most respected organizations. In January 2015, Richard Childress Racing and Team Dillon Racing named her to their elite Driver Development Program, making her one of only two female drivers in the program[11]. Richard Childress himself praised her abilities, stating, “Ahnna has an incredible natural talent and absorbs everything she can to become a better driver every time she races”[12]. The RCR backing gave her access to mentoring from Austin and Ty Dillon, who had successfully climbed the NASCAR ladder themselves[13].

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

2013: Won 12 races in 42 Mini-Outlaw starts during her impressive rookie season[14].
2014: Captured 13 victories and 12 runner-up finishes in 42 Mini-Outlaw races[15].
2015: Named to Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program; transitioned to Crate Late Models, competing in 42 races[16].
2016: Competed full-time in the Southeast Super Truck Series, making the switch from dirt to asphalt racing[17].
2017: Scored three victories in Late Model competition at Swansboro Raceway and Rome Speedway in Georgia, plus one after setting fast time at Modoc Speedway[18].
2017: Credited her late mother Laurie for helping her achieve her second 604 Late Model win at Modoc Speedway, shortly after her mother’s passing[19].
2020: Earned her second win of the season at Talladega, Alabama, after starting second on the grid following a heat race victory among 22 Crate Late Models[20].
2021: Finished eighth in Super Late Models and second in Crates at Modoc Raceway in South Carolina[21].

INSPIRATIONS

Everything Ahnna accomplished on the track carried the weight of her mother’s memory. Racing while Laurie fought cancer, and continuing after her death in 2017, gave every lap deeper meaning. “I am so proud of her and her sister, Sophia, Ahnna’s racing manager, along with my dedicated husband, Mike,” Laurie had said when Ahnna was just 15 and already turning heads[22]. That pride fueled Ahnna through every race, every setback, every moment of doubt. She also drew inspiration from the support system RCR provided—the mentorship from the Dillon brothers and the organization’s belief in her abilities taught her skills that transcended racing series and vehicle types[23]. Her admiration for drivers like Brandon Overton showed she studied the best to become better herself[24].

REPUTATION

Throughout her career behind the wheel of the No. 23, Parkhurst earned respect for her versatility and determination. She successfully navigated the challenging transition from Mini-Outlaws to Crate Late Models to Super Late Models, and even made the jump from dirt to asphalt in the Southeast Super Truck Series[25]. The Richard Childress Racing backing lent credibility to her talent, and her consistent performances proved she deserved it. Whether setting fast time before taking victories or grinding out top-ten finishes against veteran competition, she demonstrated the skills and mental toughness required to compete at higher levels. Her willingness to travel—including making the long trip from Georgia to Fulton Speedway in New York to compete—showed the commitment that defined her racing approach[26]. Sponsors including Richard Childress Racing, Morley Companies, Fields, and Kevin Harvick Inc. trusted her to represent their brands professionally[27].

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

In October 2021, Ahnna announced she would climb out of the driver’s seat of her No. 23 Late Model following the Turkey 100 at Swainsboro Raceway in November[28]. After nearly a decade of racing—from her Mini-Outlaw debut at age 13 through multiple Late Model series—she made the difficult decision to step away from driving. Her final competitive appearance would mark the end of a career that saw her compete in Box Stock, Intermediate Mini-Outlaws, 602 Crate Late Models, 604 Crate Late Models, and Super Late Models[29]. The mentoring and support from RCR, the Dillon brothers, and her sponsors had taught her invaluable skills, but after finishing eighth in Supers and second in Crates at Modoc Raceway in what would be one of her final weekends, she was ready for the next chapter[30]. While her driving career concluded, her impact on the sport—and her mission to honor her mother’s legacy—would continue beyond the racetrack.