The NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California will be keeping up with the Joneses this Spring… a very special one: racing icon Parnelli Jones. The museum announced that it will produce a new exhibit saluting the racing career of Rufus “Parnelli” Jones, featuring a number of historic vehicles from the Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing collection. The exhibit will run from Apr. 27 through Aug. 31, 2003. A special gala exhibit preview/museum fundraiser, hosted by Parnelli, will take place on Apr. 26 at the museum.
“Parnelli Jones is one of the all-time legends of American racing,” said Sam Jackson, museum executive director. “This exciting new exhibit will give the public a rare opportunity to see a number of famous racecars from the Vel’s Racing Parnelli Jones collection and show the breadth of Parnelli’s incredible career. It’ll be a well-deserved tribute as well as a definitive retrospective.”
Jones’ career began in the late 1950s running sprints and midgets, but he made his mark at the famed Indianapolis 500. He was Rookie of the Year there in 1961; the first to go around the Brickyard at more than 150 mph, and he won the prestigious race as a driver in 1963 in “Old Calhoun.” As a co-owner of the famous Vel’s Parnelli Racing Team, he captured Indy checkered flags in 1970 and ’71 (with Al Unser driving) as well as three consecutive USAC titles (1970-72).
In addition to a wide variety of photos and memorabilia from Jones’ personal collection, the exhibit will also feature a number of significant racecars including a replica of “Old Calhoun,” the 1970 Johnny Lightning Indy Car, the 1968 Granatelli Turbine-powered Indy car, as well as a 1969 4-cam Ford Champ dirt car and even a 1976 Mustang Funny Car.
For more information call (909) 622-2133 or go to www.nhra.com/museum
