The condolences prolong 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 previous. 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 Collection and Baha 1000, Jones additionally a winner within the Pikes Peak Worldwide Hill Climb and a champion behind the wheel of a Dash Automotive. 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 crew 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 Components 1, with Mario Andretti pushing the crew to a greatest end of fourth within the Swedish Grand Prix in 1975.
Mario Andretti, Parnelli VPJ4 Ford
Picture by: Rainer W. Schlegelmilch / Motorsport Pictures
Under are among the feedback, statements and tributes from throughout the motorsports world in response to the passing of the person merely referred to as Parnelli.
“The racing world has misplaced an important competitor and a real champion. Parnelli Jones was one of the vital achieved racers in historical past, and his willpower 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 crew proprietor, I at all times revered Parnelli’s ardour and dedication to the game he beloved. I used to be proud to name Parnelli an excellent pal for a few years, and our ideas are together with his household as we keep in mind one of many true legends of motorsports.”
– Roger Penske, proprietor of IndyCar, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Crew 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 at all times be identified for his velocity, expertise and fearless method, and for his private demeanor and character. The primary to formally break 150 mph at Indy, he additionally will probably 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 just about every thing on wheels together with USAC, NASCAR and off-road racing, he’s really one of the vital versatile rivals the game has ever seen. Our ideas and prayers are together with his household and mates.”
– J. Douglas Boles, President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
“We misplaced a large within the racing world right now. Parnelli was one of many best and most versatile drivers to ever compete on race circuits around the globe. He was very instrumental within the success of our Lengthy Seashore occasion from the very first race right here in 1975. He was at all times very supportive and was one of many distinguished inductees to the Lengthy Seashore Motorsports Stroll of Fame. Our ideas and prayers are together with his spouse Judy and his household presently.”
– Jim Michaelian, President & CEO of the the Grand Prix Affiliation of Lengthy Seashore
“Parnelli will endlessly be among the finest we have now ever seen behind the wheel. It didn’t matter what he drove, he was quick! He will probably be missed as a pal and a real legend. My ideas and effectively needs exit to the Jones household and all of the folks Rufus impacted in his superb life. Keep on the fuel my pal.”
– Dave Allen, NASCAR, West Area President
