Home  LACC Series 
LACC SeriesStoreServicesPhotosVideosClassifiedsRidersInterviewsAboutContact


November Interview with Mississippi's Jeff Parke

 

Jeff Parke (KTM) will end up 3rd overall this year in the SERA Enduro series behind Cliff Ousley (KTM) and Stephen Reed (Suz).  Jeff has earned 14 SERA helmets over the years as well as overall special, B, and A classes.  He won the overall at two SERA Enduros in '07 - Arkansas Trainrobbers and Louisiana Trail Riders.  KTM North America's Jeremy Ketchum: "Jeff has been a great rider for KTM and I look forward to his continued growth in the sport.  To me Jeff’s greatest accomplishments have not come on the track but how they conduct them selves off the track by constantly promoting KTM and the sport.  It’s my hope that this relationship stays strong for many years to come"

Read below to get the scoop on Parke:

 


Perry Mountain Enduro by Kenny King (Jeff 2nd Overall SERA on '09 250F)
'07 SERA Awards banquet on far right with Boreing and Reed.

Debsprints.com Photo
 

Cycleland with Greg Guy (TM) 
(Red text-Acadiana Racing)
Jeff on his '08 season & goals for next year:

(White text-Jeff Parke)
My favorite race this year was the NATRA enduro. Those guys did a great job laying out a fun yet challenging course. Texas and Clanton were two races that I did not feel good about this season...I was pretty much stale at the beginning of the season, I wasn't riding much and I had just jumped on a new bike at the time which was a two stroke so I was having to deal with making the adjustment at the beginning. Living in Hattiesburg while going to school and keeping my bike in Meridian has also made it difficult to get some seat time. My results seemed to drop in the middle of last season when I made the move to Hattiesburg. I have made a lot of adjustments recently with my training and seem to be getting in better shape...I believe that has something to do my results improving over the last two races. I hope to keep the momentum going into next season. I'm having a blast on my new scooter and getting more comfortable each time I ride.

My goal for this coming season is to stand on the podium each race and stay consistent. I would love to win a Championship, thats what I have been working towards since as far back as I can remember. Its going to be tough with Cliff Ousley in the picture...I'm sure he's got a boat load of confidence with his stack of trophies he has collected this past year and his newly obtained "Pro Status." As talented as he is, I have to give him a hard time every now and then. Thats one of the things I love about SERA, we're all able to joke around and keep it fun. I also have tons of respect for the other fast guys out there. I'll have my hands full trying to obtain my goals next year.
 
 


Jeff's '08 Hattiesburg Cycles KTM300 used earlier in the season

Perry Mountain Enduro by Kenny King - '09 Hatt. Cycles KTM 250F


'05 Masterlinks Enduro by Jenny Comeaux 

On Bikes:

I have actually surprised myself with how quick I have adapted to the 250f. I have been wanting to try one for the past year or so. Convincing my dad was the hardest part. I basically took the '09 KTM 250 XCF straight out of the box and to the races. I haven't changed anything other than the bars and added a scotts to it. The bike is a lot different than the 300. I enjoyed the 300, but I seemed to ride lazy on it. The 250f keeps me on my toes and makes ride more aggressive. It has to be shifted more than most larger bore bikes but I seem to think it keeps me more focused on what lies ahead on the trail. The bike sticks to the ground like most of the larger four strokes but it is so light that it doesn't wear me out. Over the years it seems like I have ridden everything... '74 Honda MR 50 Elsinore, Suzuki, Kawi, Tm, Gas Gas, Knight 250, KTM and the list goes on. I have enjoyed all the bikes I have ridden. I'm personally more impressed with the Euro bikes than anything. Their quality is unmatched. KTM definitely steals the show. To be able to take a bike right out of the crate and race it says a lot.
  


Cherokee National by Kenny King


On the National Enduro Format:

 I have raced more than a few National Enduros now and I will have to say that the new format is growing on me. I'm a hardcore fan of the timekeeping races, but it takes much more effort on the promoter's part to put a timekeeping race on. Its going to be sad to see them go, but I think we will eventually have to adopt the National format with all the land issues today. The format creates faster riders and shows who has the most speed, just take a look at the Europeans.
  
'08 National Enduro in LA by debsprints.com
 


24 Hour Challenge by Kenny King




'08 LA National Enduro by Kenny King 
School & Girls:

I am currently attending the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. I am majoring in Business Administration and hope to graduate in May. I am in the Sigma Chi fraternity and I really enjoy all the fun that goes along with it. Once school is over, I would love to race the Hare Scramle series again. I am currently single...for any ladies that may be reading this interview. College is too much fun to have a girlfriend!

J O B:
As far as a job goes, I work in Forestry several days a week doing field work.

Music:
My favorite band is Widespread Panic. I love live music just as much as racing.

Favorite Movie:
Too many to list.

Favorite meal:
Fresh cooked speckled trout.

 
24 Hour Challenge by Kenny King



Fluvanna National Enduro (Melik-Yam and Brozovich-Suz) 
Jeff's Dad Randy was the head of SERA for years...Jeff on doing the same??

I would like to be president one day just like my old man. I have tons of respect for all of his hard work and the contributions he has made. I asked him once when I was younger why he decided to become chairman and he told me that he wanted to make sure that I would always have a series to race. I will have some big shoes to fill if eventually become chairman. It would be great to be in a position to give back to such a great organization that I have been a part of my whole life. Over the years I have met some of the best people and still continue to meet great people at each event. I have made made so many friends as well as lost a few, that SERA will always hold a place in my heart. We are very fortunate to be a part of this family. 

'08 MS Hipoint Enduro 


 
'08 TN Enduro by Carolyn Reed

With Dad Randy by Charay Dubose





TN Enduro on new '09 KTM 250F 
Thanks To:

I would like to first thank my Dad for his unconditional love and support. Without him, racing would not be possible. To my Mom for all she does behind the scenes. I would also like to thank Jeremy Ketchum for all of his help. A big thanks goes to KTM USA. Thanks also to Mr. Larry Myatt, Mike Sanders, and all the guys at Hattiesburg Cycles. To MSR, Scott Goggles, Motorex Oils, SIDI boots, and Braking thanks for all of your support. I would like to thank everyone that has helped me along the way, especially Mr. Ray Melton and Mr. Don Knight, all of my riding buddies, and last but not least all of the club members that make the races happen. 






 

 



Fluvanna, TX National Enduro by Mark Kariya (rocky hillclimb at end) 

 

Pictures by Charay Dubose:

                       With Kody Sasser                                        TN Enduro

 

More Pictures: 


'03 Perry Mountain on a Knight 250

Rockford in '03 by Kenny King 

 


'04 Gulfport Enduro

 


'04 Wiggins Enduro 

'04 Rockford Enduro 
 

  
'04 Rockford Hare Scramble


'05 Perry Mountain Tri-sanction Shootout


'05 MS Hipoint Hare Scramble

'05 Ridgerunners Hare Scramble
 

 
Ridgerunners HS


'05 ADR Enduro 

'05 Clanton Hare Scramble
 


'05 LTR Enduro by Carolyn Reed 


'05 Masterlinks Hare Scramble by Jenny Comeaux


'05 ADR Hare Scramble


'05 Perry Mountain 24 Hr Challenge 

'05 Tallahalla Creek Hare Scramble
 


'05 LTR Hare Scramble by Jenny Comeaux



'05 TN Hare Scramble


Jeff ahead of Frank Davis


'06 Wiggins Enduro


'06 ADR Hare Scramble


'06 Arkansas Enduro


'06 Perry Mountain Enduro


'07 Perry Mountain Hare Scramble 

'07 Clanton Hare Scramble 
 


'07 LTR Enduro


'07 Chicken House Hare Scramble 

'07 Tree Farm Hare Scramble 
 


'07 Tallahala Creek Hare Scramble

 


'07 ADR Enduro

 
 
07 Perry Mountain National Enduro

 

Thanks Jeff and Good Luck in '09! 

 

Back to Main Interviews Page

Back to Home Page