The condolences extend from every corner of motorsports, which is celebration of his versatility and the character of Jones for a life well lived.
Jones, who was born in Texarkana, Arkansas in 1933 but spent the majority of his life in Torrance, California, was 90 years old. He is survived by his wife Judy, sons PJ and Page, and grandchildren Jagger, Jace, Jimmy, Joie, Jet and Moxie.
A driving career that featured several accomplishments spanned from the 1963 Indy 500, victories in the NASCAR Cup Series and Baha 1000, Jones also a winner in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and a champion behind the wheel of a Sprint Car. He was also the first driver to break the 150mph mark in qualifying for the Indy 500, pushing to 150.370mph to take pole in the 1962 Indy 500.
Success also followed Jones as a team owner, with Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing scoring back-to-back wins in the Indy 500 with driver Al Unser Sr. in 1970 and 1971. VPJ also won the championship with Joe Leonard in 1971 and 1972. There was even an attempt at Formula 1, with Mario Andretti pushing the team to a best finish of fourth in the Swedish Grand Prix in 1975.
Below are some of the comments, statements and tributes from across the motorsports world in reaction to the passing of the man simply known as Parnelli.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Parnelli Jones, a great champion whose sheer talent, determination and integrity made him a role model to so many young drivers.
— AJ Foyt Racing (@AJFoytRacing) June 5, 2024
A.J. & Parnelli had a long standing friendship, one that he recounted when we talked to him after… pic.twitter.com/HkOazpF3uH
“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, owner of IndyCar, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Team Penske
“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
“We lost a giant in the racing world today. Parnelli was one of the greatest and most versatile drivers to ever compete on race circuits around the world. He was very instrumental in the success of our Long Beach event from the very first race here in 1975. He was always very supportive and was one of the distinguished inductees to the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Judy and his family at this time.”
- Jim Michaelian, President & CEO of the the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach
"Parnelli will forever be one of the best we have ever seen behind the wheel. It didn’t matter what he drove, he was fast! He will be missed as a friend and a true legend. My thoughts and well wishes go out to the Jones family and all the people Rufus impacted in his amazing life. Stay on the gas my friend."
- Dave Allen, NASCAR, West Region President
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Parnelli jones family. #RIPParnelli
— Michael Andretti (@michaelandretti) June 4, 2024
Parnelli Jones was my racing hero. He is one of the few people who in his presence, I felt and knew that the person I was with was special. This year, we have been reminded of the ability it takes to navigate different race cars and what it takes to succeed in terms of ability.… pic.twitter.com/CUJMbrH6T5
— RICO (@Rico_Abreu) June 5, 2024
No one raced harder, in more places and more successfully than Parnelli Jones. He is what racing legends aspire to be. Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/CK3bRNRpL4
— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) June 4, 2024
Godspeed Parnelli Jones, a true giant of our sport. This man was built different and made a permanent impact on our sport. There will never be another quite like him. Love to Judy, PJ, Page, and the entire Jones family. pic.twitter.com/qTy3hojNac
— Bryan Herta (@BryanHerta) June 5, 2024
Sad to hear about the passing of Parnelli Jones. He was the true renaissance man of racing. pic.twitter.com/ASpxdFSevd
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) June 5, 2024
The World of Outlaws is saddened to learn of the loss of a racing legend.
— World of Outlaws (@WorldofOutlaws) June 5, 2024
No matter what he got behind the wheel of, Parnelli Jones found success as he assembled one of the most remarkable résumés in the history of motorsports that included many Sprint Car triumphs. https://t.co/mgwoQBGcJc
RIP Parnelli 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼me siento afortunado de haberte conocido. Mis condolencias para Judy, PJ, Page y familia :( pic.twitter.com/uavEElkyai
— Adrian Fernandez (@AdrianF007) June 5, 2024
We're thinking of the family and friends of Parnelli Jones, a 15-time winner in what is now known as the ARCA Menards Series West. pic.twitter.com/9BOMb7631N
— NASCAR Regional (@NASCARRegional) June 5, 2024
Proof from @MarioAndretti. This hung on Parnelli’s wall for years… pic.twitter.com/lkFyKJnBPm
— Dave Furst (@DaveFurst) June 5, 2024
RIP Parnelli 🙏 Its been a privilege to know you.
— Arie Luyendyk (@ArieLuyendyk) June 5, 2024
Our condolences to Judy, PJ, Page and their grandchildren. pic.twitter.com/hQdIO87ZcM
Very sad, very sad....
— Steve H. Shunck (@SHUNCK) June 4, 2024
Our hero.
My pal.
Rufus Parnell Jones - 90 years old.
One hell of a life, on and off the track.... pic.twitter.com/5yQibDhUoh
To so many of the racers we look up to, Parnelli Jones was the one they regarded as the greatest there ever was. Sad to wake up to the news of the passing of a true legend. https://t.co/riRB6uMpv8
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) June 5, 2024
Today we join the motorsports community in remembering the life and legacy of the legendary Parnelli Jones. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. 🤍
— Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) June 5, 2024
Our hearts are heavy today. To say he was the personification of competitive spirit would be understated. Godspeed, Parnelli, we will miss you. Parnelli Jones, 1933-2024. #RIP #Legend. pic.twitter.com/M8YohCNePD
— Road America (@roadamerica) June 5, 2024
Sad to learn of the passing of racing legend, Parnelli Jones. Very close with him growing up in SoCal karting and dirt scene. Thoughts are with Parnelli's friends and family.
— Cruz Pedregon (@CruzPedregon) June 5, 2024
1985 Ventura Raceway
Back Row: Art Laski, Parnelli Jones.
Front Row: PJ Jones, Page Jones, Myself pic.twitter.com/LmL7OzMgOD
Motorsports Icons seem larger than life. The difference is that some remember how they started by giving back - He did. Parnelli was always unselfishly there. If only time could stand still. #RIPParnelliJones. pic.twitter.com/OuFXJKgvhZ
— Mike Hull (@IndyMHull) June 5, 2024
There is no way to measure the influence he had and attention he brought to Auto racing. God Speed Parnelli. Prayers and thoughts to family, friends and the racing community pic.twitter.com/ELoZx3Oo4X
— ray evernham (@RayEvernham) June 5, 2024
RIP Parnelli Jones.
— Jamie Little (@JamieLittleTV) June 4, 2024
Lucky to have met him and interviewed him. I’ll never forget him getting choked up when talking about his son PJ running the Indy 500. 🙏🏻
Parnelli Jones died at the age of 90, but his legacy will never be forgotten.
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) June 5, 2024
In 2013, the Indianapolis 500 winner sat down with our late friend, Robin Miller, to reflect on everything Indianapolis gave him. pic.twitter.com/qJ50P051NE
