Parnelli Jones - Race Car Driver & Owner's Museum

Parnelli Jones is a race driver and race car owner from Torrance, in the Los Angeles area, and that's where his museum is, on the 2nd floor of an unassuming building. From Baja Buggies to Indy cars, there's an amazing collection of racing memorabilia.

Jones was named the 1961 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year and in 1962, he was the first driver to qualify over 150 mph at the Indy 500, winning the pole position at a speed of 150.370 mph. He may be best remembered for his 1963 Indy 500 win, and almost winning the 1967 Indy 500 in a turbine car. Jones retired with six IndyCar wins.

Jones started Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing, which won the Indianapolis 500 again as an owner in 1970 and 1971 with driver Al Unser driving the Johnny Lightning special. The team also won the 1971, 1972, and 1973 USAC National Championships.

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• Posted by: Richard Saxton May 13, 2009, 11:51 AM
• Categories: Auto Industry News