A Tribute to Parnelli Jones

June 6, 2024

“For my money, during those years that the factories were involved, the Trans Am Series produced the best road racing that this country has ever seen. I don’t think I’ve ever raced in a series that was any more competitive…If your car wasn’t 100 percent, someone was sure to blow your doors off.” -Parnelli Jones

Parnelli Jones was a master of many forms of motorsport, winning in INDYCAR, NASCAR, USAC, ARCA, as well as the Trans Am Series. Although he may have been best known for his oval accomplishments, he joined the longest-running professional road racing series in North America during one of its most competitive eras.

Jones was a force to be reckoned with during Trans Am’s glory days, joining the series in 1967. In 1969, he partnered with Bud Moore, getting behind the wheel of the Boss 302 Ford Mustang and sparking a storied rivalry with Mark Donohue.

In just 29 starts, Jones secured seven wins, 19 top-five finishes and earned Ford the 1970 manufacturers’ championship in one of the closest championship battles the series has ever seen. Following his time with the series, Jones continued to an advocate for Trans Am.

We join those across the racing word in mourning Parnelli Jones, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 90. Godspeed.