Parnelli Jones: Racing Legend and Indy 500 Champion

Parnelli Jones was a racing legend who changed American auto racing forever. In the 1960s and 1970s, his name became synonymous with speed, skill, and determination.

He won the 1963 Indianapolis 500 and was the first driver to qualify for the race at over 150 miles per hour. That record set off a whole new era of competition.

Jones was more than just fast—he could win at nearly any level. Fans and drivers alike respected his fearless, sharp driving style.

He wasn’t just a racer either; he became a successful team owner, helping shape the sport for generations. Parnelli Jones remains a major figure in racing history.

Year	Accomplishment	Detail
1962	Qualification Record	150+ mph Indy 500 qualification
1963	Indy 500 Winner	Victory at Indianapolis
1970	Team Owner Achievement	Led teams to major wins

Early Life and Background

Parnelli Jones was shaped by his Arkansas birthplace, his move to California, and a precocious start in the fast-paced world of racing. His journey from Texarkana to Torrance introduced him to new opportunities and early influences that set his path in motion.

Texarkana and Family Roots

Parnelli Jones was born Rufus Parnell Jones on August 12, 1933, in Texarkana, Arkansas. His family roots were modest, and his early years were spent in a landscape of small-town America, where values like hard work and resourcefulness mattered most.

Life in Texarkana during the 1930s was marked by economic hardship due to the Great Depression. The Jones family adjusted to these times, focusing on doing whatever was needed to get by.

The nearby railroad and farming communities offered limited jobs. This backdrop taught Jones the importance of perseverance and adaptability.

Even as a child, he showed a restless energy—traits that would later define his career behind the wheel.

Key Fact Table:

Name	Birthdate	Birthplace
Rufus Parnell Jones	August 12, 1933	Texarkana, Arkansas

Growing Up in Torrance

At the age of seven, Jones moved with his family to Torrance, California. The shift from Texarkana to Torrance meant a change to a larger, more urban setting just outside of Los Angeles.

The city gave Jones a fresh start. Torrance during the 1940s was growing, with new industries, open roads, and car culture on the rise.

Many families came to California during this era, looking for better jobs and new beginnings. Jones spent his youth in Torrance neighborhoods and schoolyards, becoming familiar with the local car scene.

He grew up watching hot rods and speed shops become part of everyday life. He quickly became fascinated with how cars worked and how fast they could go.

Details about Jones in Torrance can be found on the International Motorsports Hall of Fame website.

Early Exposure to Racing

Jones’s introduction to racing came early. By his teenage years in Torrance, he was already working on cars, building skills as both a mechanic and a driver.

Local racetracks and the nearby Los Angeles racing circuit gave him the chance to test his talents against others. He soon started driving in local hot rod and jalopy races, earning attention for his daring style and remarkable control.

These were affordable grassroots contests, open to anyone with a car and courage. By the early 1950s, Parnelli was competing regularly, picking up wins and pushing himself to drive faster each time.

His reputation grew quickly in Southern California. Before long, bigger teams and sponsors started to notice.

His early years behind the wheel directly shaped his future as an American racing driver, setting the stage for his legendary career.

Racing Career Overview

Parnelli Jones built his reputation through a mix of winning performances, adaptability in different types of racing, and a lasting impact on the sport both behind the wheel and as a car owner. His success was shaped by a drive for excellence and a unique ability to compete at the highest level in more than one form of motorsports.

Rise to Racing Legend

Parnelli Jones started as a tough competitor in local racing circuits before making his mark in major open-wheel events. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he won the first two USAC National Sprint Car Championships in 1961 and 1962.

This head start launched him into national stardom. In 1963, Jones became the youngest winner of the Indianapolis 500 at the time, driving car number 98.

He was known for his fearless racing style and sharp instincts. Over the course of his IndyCar career, he secured 6 wins and became a staple name in auto racing history.

Year	Major Achievement
1961	USAC Sprint Car Champion
1962	USAC Sprint Car Champion
1963	Indianapolis 500 Winner

Versatility Across Motorsports

Jones’ reputation was built not only on his success in open-wheel cars but on his ability to win in different race vehicles. He found victory in sprint cars, midget racing, stock cars, and off-road racing.

Over his career, he claimed 25 Sprint Car wins and 25 Midget Feature victories. He drove for several prominent teams and was respected for his technical skill and racing intelligence.

Jones often pushed the limits of what a car could do, tackling everything from pavement to dirt and oval tracks to road courses. He was one of the few racing legends who could truly say he conquered a wide mix of motorsports.

Notable Competitions and Disciplines:

• USAC National Championship
• Sprint Car Racing
• Stock Car Racing
• Off-Road Racing (including Baja 1000)

Transition from Driver to Car Owner

After stepping away from the driver’s seat, Jones didn’t leave motorsports. Instead, he co-founded Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing (VPJ), which went on to become a respected name in auto racing.

VPJ fielded cars that competed in IndyCar and Formula 1, bringing on talented drivers and earning several wins and championships. As a car owner and team leader, Jones was known for an intense focus on preparation and innovation.

This allowed VPJ to remain competitive against the biggest names in the sport during the 1970s. Under Jones’ guidance, VPJ worked closely with engineers to develop cutting-edge race cars.

His legacy as a car owner further cemented his influence across all facets of motorsports.

Indianapolis 500 Legacy

Parnelli Jones left a major mark on the Indianapolis 500 through his driving skill and influence on the future of the race. Known for speed and a fearless driving style, he became a central figure at the Brickyard, racing against some of the most famous names in Indy car history.

Indy 500 Victory

Parnelli Jones claimed his most famous win at the Indianapolis 500 in 1963. His victory was not just about crossing the finish line first, but also about achieving a new level of performance.

Jones was the first driver ever to qualify for the Indy 500 at over 150 mph, breaking a speed barrier that changed the nature of the race. He drove car number 98 for J.C. Agajanian’s team, fending off challenges from legends like Jim Clark and A.J. Foyt.

Despite an oil leak late in the race, officials allowed Jones to stay on track, which remains a major talking point among fans and historians. Jones’ win became a turning point in race strategy and technical innovation at Indianapolis.

Indianapolis 500 (1963) Quick Stats

Detail	Stat
Race Winner	Parnelli Jones
Average Speed	143.137 mph
Pole Speed	151.153 mph
Car Number	98
Team	J.C. Agajanian
Notable Rivals	Jim Clark, A.J. Foyt

Rookie of the Year Honors

Jones entered the Indy 500 for the first time in 1961. He quickly made his presence felt by earning Rookie of the Year honors, showcasing raw speed and control in his debut.

His rookie performance placed him in a small group of drivers who showed immediate potential at the Brickyard. Other notable winners of this award include Mario Andretti and Jim Hurtubise, both of whom went on to have lasting impacts on Indy racing.

Jones’ result that year was a sign that he would soon be a major force at Indianapolis. His aggressive driving style set a bar for future rookies and changed expectations for newcomers to Indy cars.

The Brickyard and Indy Cars

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, known as the Brickyard, became almost a second home for Jones. He not only raced there but also helped push the development of Indy cars forward.

His cars were always at the leading edge of technology, whether through aerodynamics, engine power, or tire selection. Jones also worked with top teams and engineers to improve car performance.

He later became an owner, guiding drivers like Al Unser to back-to-back Indy 500 wins in 1970 and 1971. This transition showcased his understanding of both racing and management, allowing him to shape the next generation of racers.

Rivalries and Alliances

Parnelli Jones raced in an era packed with fierce competition. He often went wheel-to-wheel with stars like A.J. Foyt, Jim Clark, Mario Andretti, Rodger Ward, and Dan Gurney.

Every rivalry pushed him to find new strategies and raise his game. Sometimes, those rivalries turned into genuine friendships off the track.

His connection with Dan Gurney, for example, led to mutual respect and even some collaboration on car design. Meanwhile, direct battles with drivers like Jim Hurtubise and Rodger Ward gave fans some truly unforgettable moments.

The way Jones interacted with these legends cemented his status at the Indy 500. For more on his Indy 500 legacy, check out this detailed overview of Parnelli Jones’s career and his impact on Indy car culture.

NASCAR and Stock Car Success

Parnelli Jones found his grit in stock car racing. He proved he was way more than just an open wheel guy.

His NASCAR days featured big wins, tough fights, and an influence that stuck around long after he left the driver’s seat.

Major Wins

Jones was no stranger to the front. In 1963, he won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the USAC Stock Car class.

He drove the same Mercury in several events, which really showed off his versatility. Beyond the hills, he also scored a NASCAR win at Riverside in 1957—a road course that rewarded skill over pure horsepower.

That Riverside victory put him among the rare drivers who mastered both stock cars and open-wheel machines. Here’s a quick look at some of his key wins:

Year	Event	Result	Car
1957	NASCAR race at Riverside	1st Place	Mercury
1963	Pikes Peak Intl. Hill Climb (USAC Stock)	1st Place	Mercury

Challenging Competitors

Racing in NASCAR and USAC Stock Cars meant going up against some really tough opponents. Drivers like Fireball Roberts, Curtis Turner, and Marvin Panch didn’t make it easy for anyone.

Parnelli built his reputation by refusing to back down. He entered events with seasoned stock car pros and held his own against guys who lived and breathed these heavy, powerful machines.

These weren’t just hobbyists—they were full-time racers, and every win took real work. Whether it was fender-to-fender on short ovals or fighting dust at Pikes Peak, Jones showed skill that people noticed.

He earned respect in the garage for his focus and his knack for adapting quickly to different tracks and racing styles.

Impact on Stock Car Racing

Jones helped bridge the gap between open wheel and stock car racing. His move into NASCAR and USAC Stock Cars encouraged other open wheel racers to take a shot at stock cars too.

This cross-pollination brought fresh ideas and techniques to both worlds. Parnelli’s aggressive but fair style set a tone—he showed that drivers from different backgrounds could succeed in multiple formats.

He wasn’t afraid to push limits, entering the same car in different events and trying new things. Jones’s wide-ranging achievements and stubborn drive helped shape the image of American stock car racing in the 1960s and beyond.

Off-Road Racing Achievements

Parnelli Jones earned respect in motorsports not just for his track victories but also for his extraordinary off-road racing achievements. He set a high standard in races that demanded grit, quick thinking, and tough vehicles.

Baja 1000 Triumphs

Jones made his name in off-road racing with his performances in the Baja 1000. That race is famous for its intensity and brutal conditions.

He won the Baja 1000 three times, handling long stretches of rough terrain with skill and determination. Here’s a look at those victories:

Year	Race	Result
1971	Baja 1000	Winner
1972	Baja 1000	Winner
1973	Baja 1000	Winner

Those wins proved he could read the unpredictable desert just as well as any paved circuit. Jones went up against experienced teams and adapted to the unique challenges of off-road racing.

Influence in Off-Road Motorsports

Jones did more than just win—he helped shape off-road racing culture. People knew him as a fierce competitor, but also someone who raised the profile of events like the Baja 1000 and Baja 500.

Fans and fellow drivers admired his aggressive yet calculated style. He also worked closely with teams to improve truck durability and handling, showing that off-road success took mechanical know-how and teamwork as much as speed.

His achievements set new expectations for what was possible, inspiring future generations to take on the toughest off-road races in North America.

Midget Cars and Sprint Cars

Parnelli Jones built his early reputation with wins in midget cars and sprint cars. He showed off real driving skill and consistency, which set him up for later success in bigger series.

Early Wins in Midget Cars

Jones started in midget car racing, making an impression with his fearless style and sharp instincts. He raced tough California circuits and quickly became known as a hard-nosed competitor.

He racked up about 25 career wins in midget cars, which got national teams to notice him. Jones could adapt from short tracks to bigger arenas with little trouble, and his victories with different car owners proved he wasn’t just relying on the best equipment—he was flat-out outperforming people.

Midget Cars Career Highlights:

Category	Stat
Career Midget Wins	25
Region	California, Midwest

His strong results in midgets gave him the confidence and track time needed to move up to bigger cars and tougher fields.

Sprint Car Milestones

After mastering midgets, Jones moved into sprint car racing where the speeds—and the stakes—were higher. He captured 25 sprint car race wins, going up against top talent all over the country.

He made bold moves and showed quick reflexes that stood out at every race. One of his biggest achievements was winning three straight Midwest Sprint Car championships with owner Harlan Fike.

That streak showed just how consistent and talented he was over a full season. Here’s a quick chart:

Accomplishment	Number/Note
Career Sprint Car Wins	25
Consecutive Midwest Championships	3
Noted Car Owner	Harlan Fike

Through his midget and sprint car years, Jones built a foundation of raw speed and success that carried into his later career. More details about his history are on his USAC Hall of Fame page and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Sports Cars and Formula One Participation

Parnelli Jones built a reputation for skill and speed in several forms of racing. His career moved from stock car and dirt track triumphs to competitive showings in sports cars and—briefly but notably—to Formula One.

Notable Sports Car Performances

Jones gained respect for his sports car performances, especially in the 1960s and early ’70s. He regularly drove the Ford GT40, a car known for its power and endurance.

His adaptability got him podium finishes in tough endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In events like the 12 Hours of Sebring, Jones proved he had the focus and toughness to handle long, punishing races.

He also raced alongside top drivers in the Riverside 6 Hours, earning a reputation for smart decisions under pressure. Major Sports Car Races and Results

Event	Car	Result
24 Hours of Le Mans	GT40	Podium finishes
12 Hours of Sebring	GT40	Top placements
Riverside 6 Hours	GT40	Multiple finishes

Jones’s technical skill shaped his performance, helping him adapt as sports cars kept evolving.

Formula One Appearances

Parnelli Jones jumped into Formula One as a team owner from late 1974 to early 1976. His outfit, Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing, ran cars designed by Maurice Philippe, a guy with a knack for building F1 winners.

The team picked certain events, like the United States and Canadian Grands Prix. Jones worked with drivers such as Mario Andretti during this brief, sometimes bumpy run.

They never really cracked the code for points or podiums, but they did snag a fourth-place finish at the 1975 Swedish Grand Prix. That was probably their highlight moment in F1.

Parnelli Formula One Team Stats

Year	Races Entered	Best Finish	Notable Driver
1974	2	7th	Mario Andretti
1975	7	4th	Mario Andretti
1976	3	6th	Mario Andretti

If you want more details on this wild chapter, there’s a good overview at Parnelli Jones – Wikipedia.

Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing (VPJ)

Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing (VPJ) made a real splash in American motorsports during the 1970s. The team earned a reputation for trying new things and racking up some impressive achievements, leaving its mark on both IndyCar and Formula One.

Team Formation and Structure

Parnelli Jones and his business partner Vel Miletich started VPJ in California back in 1969. They wanted to take on the best in open-wheel racing, and they weren’t shy about pushing boundaries or hiring top-notch talent.

Jones brought more than just his fame as an Indy 500 winner—he had real hands-on mechanical know-how. Skilled engineers, like Maurice Phillippe from Lotus, led the technical side and shaped the team’s chassis designs.

VPJ quickly grew, drawing in mechanics, fabricators, and a solid support crew. They weren’t afraid to try new tech, either.

For instance, they were early adopters of two-way radio communication between drivers and pit crew. That made a huge difference in race strategy. They even rolled out custom-built transporters for getting cars and gear to the track, which honestly set a new standard.

VPJ Achievements in Motorsports

VPJ’s biggest splash came in IndyCar, where they turned into serious contenders in the early ’70s. With Al Unser at the wheel, they grabbed the Indianapolis 500 win in 1970 and again in 1971, thanks to innovative chassis and some real muscle under the hood.

From 1970 to 1972, the team was tough to beat in USAC Championship racing, stacking up wins and finishing near the top of the points standings. Here’s a quick look at some of their early stats:

Year	Wins (IndyCar)	Indy 500 Win	Notable Driver
1970	6	Yes	Al Unser
1971	7	Yes	Al Unser
1972	5	No	Joe Leonard

They did take a shot at Formula One with the Parnelli VPJ4, but that adventure only lasted about a year and wrapped up in 1976. Still, the team’s impact stuck around in American racing. There’s more about it on the Parnelli Jones Racing Wikipedia page.

Legacy as a Car Owner

Parnelli Jones didn’t just fade away after driving—he really changed the game as a team owner. He pushed for teamwork, new tech, and hiring the best people for both racing and engineering.

VPJ’s mix of sharp engineering and racing smarts set a blueprint for others to follow. Their drive to innovate nudged the sport forward, and you can trace a lot of today’s team habits right back to them.

Even after the team closed up shop, Jones stayed involved—mentoring, sharing advice, and just generally being a respected figure. Stuff like their early use of radio communication and custom transporters? That’s still shaping motorsports, as you can see from their innovations.

Personal Life and Family

Parnelli Jones somehow managed a legendary racing career while also staying committed to his family. His wife, Judy, was right there with him for decades, and their sons got involved in racing too.

Judy Jones

Judy Jones wasn’t just Parnelli’s wife; she was a huge part of his support system through his racing journey. The two shared a long marriage and raised two kids together.

You’d spot Judy at big events, from the Indy 500 to local gatherings. She handled the ups and downs of racing life, keeping things steady at home and joining in on Parnelli’s other interests, like golf and snow sports.

They made Torrance, California their home for years, and folks there know them well. Judy’s still respected for her steady hand and the way she kept things running smoothly behind the scenes. Their partnership stands out in the high-stress world of racing—support like that really matters.

Sons’ Involvement in Racing

Parnelli and Judy had two sons, P.J. and Page, and both caught the racing bug from their dad.

P.J. Jones followed his father into professional racing, competing in IndyCar, NASCAR, and even making appearances in the Indy 500. He drove for some big teams and earned a reputation for handling tough racing conditions with real skill.

Page Jones also showed talent, especially in sprint cars. Unfortunately, a bad accident in 1994 cut his career short. Still, his story is one of grit—his family, especially Parnelli and Judy, helped him through recovery and kept him involved in the racing world.

Notable Family Involvement in Motorsports

Family Member	Racing Involvement	Highlights
P.J. Jones	Professional driver (IndyCar, NASCAR)	Competed in Indy 500, raced for top teams
Page Jones	Sprint car racer	Overcame severe injury, active in recovery

The Jones family’s racing ties run deep, and each member adds their own chapter to the sport’s story. You can read more about them at the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Awards, Honors, and Legacy

Parnelli Jones earned major respect in the racing world, standing out from his peers. His name sits right up there with the greatest drivers and owners in the sport, and his influence still lingers long after he stepped away from the wheel.

Motorsports Hall of Fame

Multiple halls of fame recognized Jones for his standout career as both a driver and team owner. He’s in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, the National Motorsports Hall of Fame, and the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame.

These honors don’t just highlight his Indy 500 win; they cover his off-road and stock car success, too. Here’s a quick summary of some of his hall of fame nods:

Hall of Fame	Year Inducted
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame	N/A
National Motorsports Hall of Fame	N/A
Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame	N/A

He also picked up special honors, like the 2019 Carroll Shelby Spirit Award. The guy became a legend not just for winning but for sticking with the sport through thick and thin, picking up awards across decades and all kinds of racing.

Lasting Influence on Racing History

Jones really changed how racers approach preparation and competition. His 1963 Indy 500 win is legendary, making him a household name for anyone who follows American motorsports.

He also built up talent as a car owner, helping his teams reach the top. His tough, consistent racing style set a new bar, and as the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame points out, his influence carried on—shaping cars, drivers, and teams for generations.

Later Years and Health

After racing, Parnelli Jones stayed close to motorsports, family, and his business. As the years went by, he also faced a long, tough battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Retirement from Racing

Once his driving days ended, Jones didn’t just disappear. He became a team owner and mentor, sharing his wisdom with up-and-coming drivers and working on car development.

His teams kept winning in different series, showing that his expertise went way beyond just driving. He also ran a successful tire dealership, Parnelli Jones Enterprises, and built a reputation for leadership in both racing and business.

Highlights from His Retirement:

Year	Event
1974	Founded Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing (VPJ)
1975-1976	Won two consecutive IndyCar championships
1980s-2000s	Continued to mentor drivers and grow his business

Even off the track, Jones showed up at major racing events and was often celebrated as a living legend.

Battling Parkinson’s Disease

In his later years, Jones faced a serious health challenge. Doctors diagnosed him with Parkinson’s disease around 2014.

This progressive neurological disorder started to affect his speech and movement. Everyday life got tougher for him as time went on.

Even so, he stayed involved in the racing community. Whenever he could, he showed up at public events—always determined, even if it wasn’t easy.

Jones’s family, especially his son, shared updates about his health with the public. According to several reports, including The New York Times, he fought the disease for nearly ten years.

He passed away at 90 in June 2024 at a hospital in Torrance, California. The racing world paused to remember his courage and stubborn spirit.