The condolences lengthen from each nook of motorsports, which is celebration of his versatility and the character of Jones for a life effectively lived.
Jones, who was born in Texarkana, Arkansas in 1933 however spent the vast majority of his life in Torrance, California, was 90 years outdated. He’s survived by his spouse Judy, sons PJ and Web page, and grandchildren Jagger, Jace, Jimmy, Joie, Jet and Moxie.
A driving profession that featured a number of accomplishments spanned from the 1963 Indy 500, victories within the NASCAR Cup Sequence and Baha 1000, Jones additionally a winner within the Pikes Peak Worldwide Hill Climb and a champion behind the wheel of a Dash Automobile. He was additionally the primary driver to interrupt the 150mph mark in qualifying for the Indy 500, pushing to 150.370mph to take pole within the 1962 Indy 500.
Success additionally adopted Jones as a group proprietor, with Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing scoring back-to-back wins within the Indy 500 with driver Al Unser Sr. in 1970 and 1971. VPJ additionally received the championship with Joe Leonard in 1971 and 1972. There was even an try at Method 1, with Mario Andretti pushing the group to a greatest end of fourth within the Swedish Grand Prix in 1975.
Mario Andretti, Parnelli VPJ4 Ford
Picture by: Rainer W. Schlegelmilch / Motorsport Photos
Beneath are among the feedback, statements and tributes from throughout the motorsports world in response to the passing of the person merely generally known as Parnelli.
“The racing world has misplaced an amazing competitor and a real champion. Parnelli Jones was probably the most completed racers in historical past, and his dedication and can to win made him one of many hardest rivals I’ve ever seen. From racing in opposition to him on observe to competing in opposition to him as a fellow group proprietor, I all the time revered Parnelli’s ardour and dedication to the game he liked. I used to be proud to name Parnelli a superb buddy for a few years, and our ideas are along with his household as we bear in mind one of many true legends of motorsports.”
– Roger Penske, proprietor of IndyCar, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Workforce Penske
“In over 115 years of racing on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, there have been many iconic moments and a handful of iconic drivers. Parnelli Jones was a complete icon, each for his driving ability and the magical moments he created within the Indianapolis 500. He’ll all the time be identified for his pace, expertise and fearless method, and for his private demeanor and character. The primary to formally break 150 mph at Indy, he additionally might be remembered for driving the famed STP turbine to near-victory in 1967 and because the successful Indy 500 proprietor in 1970 and 1971. His fingerprints on our sport go effectively past the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A winner in nearly the whole lot on wheels together with USAC, NASCAR and off-road racing, he’s actually probably the most versatile rivals the game has ever seen. Our ideas and prayers are along with his household and buddies.”
– J. Douglas Boles, President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
“We misplaced a large within the racing world in the present day. Parnelli was one of many biggest and most versatile drivers to ever compete on race circuits world wide. He was very instrumental within the success of our Lengthy Seaside occasion from the very first race right here in 1975. He was all the time very supportive and was one of many distinguished inductees to the Lengthy Seaside Motorsports Stroll of Fame. Our ideas and prayers are along with his spouse Judy and his household right now.”
– Jim Michaelian, President & CEO of the the Grand Prix Affiliation of Lengthy Seaside
“Parnelli will ceaselessly be top-of-the-line now we have ever seen behind the wheel. It didn’t matter what he drove, he was quick! He might be missed as a buddy and a real legend. My ideas and effectively needs exit to the Jones household and all of the individuals Rufus impacted in his wonderful life. Keep on the fuel my buddy.”
– Dave Allen, NASCAR, West Area President
