PARNELLI JONES - USAC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2012

One of the names most synonymous with American auto racing, Rufus "Parnelli" Jones, ultimately became a champion as both as a driver and car owner during his illustrious USAC career.

Originally hailing from Texarkana, Ark., but making the move to Torrance, Calif. as a youth, Jones’ soon proved himself to be among the most versatile drivers on the planet, starting in jalopies before capturing a multitude of victories in sprint cars, midgets, road races as well as in NASCAR and Indy Cars.

With car owner Harlan Fike, Jones became the first driver to capture three consecutive USAC Sprint Car titles in 1960 (Midwest), 1961 and 1962 (National).  By 1963, he found himself at the top of the sport as an Indianapolis 500 victor for car owner J.C. Agajanian, and in 1964, mastered the fendered cars as the USAC National Stock Car titlist for Bill Stroppe.

Twice he scored wins in the Turkey Night Grand Prix in 1964 and 1966, but by the 1970s, he was a full-fledged team owner alongside Vel Miletich, and promptly recorded back-to-back Indianapolis 500 victories in 1970-71 with driver Al Unser, and furthermore, collected consecutive USAC National Championships with Joe Leonard in 1971-72.  Jones’ winning ways continued in 1973-74 with USAC Dirt Car (Silver Crown) championships featuring drivers Al Unser and Mario Andretti, respectively.