Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones dies at 90
(WISH) — Former Indianapolis 500 winner Rufus Parnell “Parnelli” Jones has died.
Jones’ son says his father had battled Parkinson’s disease for the last few years.
Jones won the 1963 Indy 500 as a driver. He started in seven 500s the from 1961-1967.
He two Indy 500s more as a team owner for Al Unser in 1970 and 1971.
Jones ranks eighth on the list of most Indy 500 laps led: 492 laps in five different races.
Jones first appearance in the Indianapolis 500 was in 1961 in a car called “01′ Calhoun.” That year, he was Co-Rookie of the Year with Bobby Marshman.
He’s the racer who in 1962 broke the 150 mph speed barrier at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
He was the Indianapolis 500 Pole Sitter in 1962 and 1963.
In his last Indianapolis 500 as a driver in 1967, he raced Andy Granatelli’s innovative and controversial STP Turbine car, dropping out while leading on Lap 197 of 200 when a $6 ball bearing failed, leaving him in sixth place.
He also won races in the NASCAR series.
The International Hall of Fame says of Jones, “The competitive versatility of Rufus Parnell Jones is, perhaps, unmatched in all of racing. He won six Indy Car races. He won 25 Sprint Car races. He won 25 Midget races. He won 13 Stock Car races on different circuits. He won the Indianapolis 500. And he won in Off-Road vehicles, and in Sports Cars. It is fair to say that such a record is indicative of a man truly one with motorsports.”
IndyCar, in a news release about the racer’s death, wrote, “One of the most versatile drivers in history, Jones was so highly rated by all his competitors, including several of the best from Europe.”
The release also says Jones is the only person ever to have led the Indianapolis 500 for 400 or more miles on two occasions, in 1963 and 1967.
Jones was born in 1933 in Texarkana, Arkansas. He moved with his family from Texarkana to Fallbrook, California, at age 2, and then to Torrance, California, at age 7.
He died at age 90 at Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, California, with family members at his side.
IndyCar says Jones is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Judy, and sons PJ and Page, both of whom had professional racing careers. PJ Jones followed in his father’s footsteps by starting the Indianapolis 500 in 2004 and 2006. Page Jones was making great strides on Midwest short tracks until he suffered serious injuries in a crash in 1994, ending his driving career.
On Tuesday night, there were no plans yet to be shared on services or a memorial for Parnelli.
Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones dies at 90
TransAm Ford racer Parnelli Jones looks on at the 1970 TransAm Mid-Ohio race on June 6. Jones won the race. (Alvis Upitis/Getty Images)
Statements
“The racing world has lost a great competitor and a true champion. Parnelli Jones was one of the most accomplished racers in history, and his determination and will to win made him one of the toughest competitors I have ever seen. From racing against him on track to competing against him as a fellow team owner, I always respected Parnelli’s passion and commitment to the sport he loved. I was proud to call Parnelli a good friend for many years, and our thoughts are with his family as we remember one of the true legends of motorsports.”
Roger Penske, chairperson of the Penske Corp., owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
“In over 115 years of racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, there have been many iconic moments and a handful of iconic drivers. Parnelli Jones was a total icon, both for his driving skill and the magical moments he created in the Indianapolis 500. He will always be known for his speed, talent and fearless approach, and for his personal demeanor and character. The first to officially break 150 mph at Indy, he also will be remembered for driving the famed STP turbine to near-victory in 1967 and as the winning Indy 500 owner in 1970 and 1971. His fingerprints on our sport go well beyond the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A winner in virtually everything on wheels including USAC, NASCAR and off-road racing, he is truly one of the most versatile competitors the sport has ever seen. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
J. Douglas Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway