Co-driver for course opening car 0.
Bruce Parker
IG: @Hbrucep
Bruce Parker began competing in rally in 2007 and has remained active in the sport ever since. He first ran Oregon Trail Rally in 2008 as a co-driver and has continued to return over the years.
At OTR 2025, Bruce served as the co-driver for Course Opening Car 0, giving back to the rally community in a role focused on ensuring the event runs on time. He returned in the same car he co-drove in during 2008, linking his early competition experience with his current involvement behind the scenes.
At rally events like Oregon Trail Rally, Course Opening Cars 000, 00, and 0 run through each stage before competition begins.
These cars are responsible for verifying that the stage is ready and safe—checking timing, communication, spectator placement, and road conditions.
Each car drives progressively faster than the one before it, with 000 running at a controlled pace, 00 increasing speed, and Car 0 driving at near-competition speeds to simulate real rally conditions.
When you see car 0, the competition rally cars are next.
If issues arise, they are addressed before competition starts. By the time Car 0 completes the stage, organizers have confidence that everything is set for rally cars to run on time and as planned.
In Bruce's own words
“Nobody realizes everything the course opening team does to make sure everything runs on time. Things go wrong, break, aren't ready, but we overcome those issues and make it happen.”
Profession
Bruce has been an “adrenaline junkie who has flown in/piloted the jet used in a James Bond movie, piloted a helicopter and glider, went skydiving, rode in a jet boat in NZ, and rode in a NASCAR race car.”
For more stories in Face of OTR 2025: https://www.apexiel.com/user/thread/7JF4Cwpb6jm7reUlVbH0
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