The Legacy of Parnelli Jones

Parnelli Jones, known for being the first driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 at over 150 mph and winner in 1963, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 in Torrance, California, on June 4, surrounded by his family.

Rufus Parnell Jones, born on August 12, 1933, in Texarkana, Arkansas, was recognized as one of the most versatile and respected drivers of his time. Despite competing only seven times in the Indy 500, he led in five of those races, totaling 492 laps, the eighth highest in the race’s history. In the 1965 and 1966 editions, although he did not lead, he finished second in 1965 and was in that position before retiring due to mechanical issues in 1966.

Jones also made history by leading over 400 miles in the Indy 500 on two occasions. The first was when he won in 1963, and the second in 1967, when his STP turbine car, entered by Andy Granatelli, failed after leading 171 of the first 196 laps.

After retiring as a driver from the INDYCAR SERIES in 1968 at the early age of 34, Jones continued to achieve success as a team owner with his partner Vel Miletich. Their team won the Indy 500 in 1970 and 1971 with the PJ Colt chassis, built under the direction of chief mechanic George Bignotti and driven by Al Unser. This combination also won the USAC National Championship in 1970, followed by additional titles in 1971 and 1972 with Joe Leonard behind the wheel.

Jones's career was not limited to the Indy 500. He also ventured into Formula 1, entering Mario Andretti in the final rounds of 1974 and the full season in 1975, though lack of sponsorship ended the campaign in mid-1976. During this time, his team also competed in the Sports Car Club of America’s Formula 5000 series and the USAC Dirt Car (later Silver Crown) series, with Andretti and Unser consistently securing top-three finishes.

Jones, whose full name was Rufus Parnell, moved with his family from Arkansas to California when he was two years old. He began racing at 17 under the pseudonym "Parnelli" to conceal his real age from race officials. By 27, he was a prominent figure in auto racing, defeating Offenhauser-powered sprint cars with a V8 Chevrolet engine in 1960.

In 1960, Jones chose to watch the Indy 500 from the stands, gaining valuable experience before making his full-season championship debut. This decision proved fruitful, as he won the inaugural USAC National Sprint Car Championship in 1961, accumulating 25 wins in USAC sprint and midget car events.

Besides his success on the track, Jones also excelled in business, investing in real estate and opening several Firestone tire stores. Even after selling his company, he continued as a consultant, with his name still adorning the stores.

Jones will be remembered for his determination and ability to overcome challenges, as in 1962, when he finished seventh in the Indy 500 despite losing his brakes. In 1963, he won the race with the No. 98 Watson-Offy "Calhoun" despite a controversy over a possible oil leak. He also declined an offer to join Formula 1, preferring to race in the United States, where he won the USAC Stock Car Championship in 1964 and the Los Angeles Times Grand Prix in Riverside the same year.

In 1967, he came close to winning the Indy 500 again with Granatelli's turbine car, leading most of the race until a mechanical failure ended his run. After retiring from INDYCAR racing in 1968, Jones focused on off-road racing, winning five major events with a modified Ford Bronco, nicknamed "Big Oly."

Jones left a lasting legacy in motorsports, being inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame and the National Motorsports Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife Judy, with whom he was married for nearly 57 years, and his sons PJ and Page, both of whom had racing careers.