Parnelli Jones, the legendary racing icon known for his daring exploits on the track and his triumphs at the Indianapolis 500, has passed away at the age of 90.
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Jones, who made a name for himself as one of the greatest drivers of his era, died on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Torrance, California, where he had resided for many years.
His son P.J. confirmed his passing, stating that Jones died surrounded by family and friends at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Jones had been battling Parkinson’s disease for the past decade.
Jones rose to prominence in the 1960s, dominating the racing scene with his aggressive yet finesse-filled driving style.
He secured numerous victories across various racing disciplines, winning six times at the Indianapolis 500 and four times in NASCAR events. His prowess extended beyond traditional racing circuits, as he triumphed in off-road, sports car, sprint, and midget races.
Renowned fellow racer Mario Andretti once hailed Jones as the greatest driver of his era, praising his unmatched aggressiveness and finesse behind the wheel. Jones’s determination and fierce attitude were qualities that set him apart from his competitors.
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Born Rufus Parnell Jones on August 12, 1933, in Texarkana, Arkansas, Jones grew up in Torrance, California, where his passion for racing was ignited.
At the age of 16, he traded in a horse for a hot rod, embarking on a journey that would cement his legacy in the world of motorsports.
In addition to his son P.J., Jones is survived by his wife, Judy Jones, another son, Page, and six grandchildren.
Beyond his racing career, Jones ventured into the business world, operating chains of tire dealerships and auto parts distributorships.
He remained a figure of speed even off the track, recalling an encounter with law enforcement where a police officer recognized him and quipped, “Who do you think you are, Parnelli Jones?”
Jones’s remarkable life story was chronicled in his 2012 autobiography, “As a Matter of Fact, I Am Parnelli Jones,” written with journalist Bones Bourcier.
As the racing world mourns the loss of a true legend, Parnelli Jones’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in motorsports history will forever endure.
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