RIP - Parnelli Jones

[toddz69]

Just heard that Parnelli Jones passed away today at the age of 90 - just 2 months shy of his 91st birthday. Parnelli was an incredible icon in the field of motorsports - it is often said that he, Mario Andretti, Dan Gurney, and A.J. Foyt should be on the Mt. Rushmore of American Motorports.

He was a hero to many of us for his accomplishments in the world of Bronco racing - owning and driving the infamous Big Oly Bronco - the first real Trophy Truck and a legendary performer in its own right. Parnelli was always very gracious and kind to us Bronco enthusiasts - attending several events over the years where we had a chance to meet and interact with him.

Godspeed Parnelli!

Todd Z.

 

[Yeller]

Sad day, one of my icons in the automotive world.

 

[1969]

R I P

 

[ared77]

RIP

 

[MarsChariot]

Many of the greats from the time are passing on now. Recently the Italian maestro of many iconic designs from the 70s Marcello Gandini passed away as well. End of an era.

 

[nickgp]

One of the greatest of all time. RIP PJ, you were one of a kind. I always looked up to him as a kid and even now. Deepest sympathy to the family and all those he touched over the course of a great career.

 

[BronCowie]

He will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace Parnelli!

 

[green61bug]

Many of the greats from the time are passing on now. Recently the Italian maestro of many iconic designs from the 70s Marcello Gandini passed away as well. End of an era.

I had the same sentiment when I read the news. So many of the icons of the automotive industry are passing on. Of course, amongst us car nuts, they will not be forgotten.

 

[Jeff10]

Hi Everyone,

Truly a legend.

This is a pic from my past. Todd was kind enough to have Parnelli sign it a number of years ago. Some of my fondest memories are of the Stroppe work my Dad was involved with in the early 70s.

RIP, Parnelli

Jeff

 

[Scoop]

RIP Mr. Jones.

 

[gnsteam]

He may be gone. But his legacy will live on through all of us.

Godspeed Parnelli

 

[cannunz546]

Hi Everyone,

Truly a legend.

This is a pic from my past. Todd was kind enough to have Parnelli sign it a number of years ago. Some of my fondest memories are of the Stroppe work my Dad was involved with in the early 70s.

RIP, Parnelli

Jeff View attachment 926336

Only a real man could wear plaid pants and a short sleeve turtleneck!!!!! He was a one of a kind that will be long-remembered. God's Speed.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Don't forget movie star. He was in the original Gone in 60 Seconds.

 

[ared77]

Saw this -

https://www.motortrend.com/news/remembering-rufus-parnelli-jones-1933-2024/?eml=organic:eml:brz:20240606:rememberin:article:cncldom:owcst:mt

 

[ared77]

And another -

https://www.motortrend.com/news/parnelli-jones-race-cars-trucks-history/?eml=organic:eml:brz:20240606:parnelli-j:article:cncldom:owcst:mt

 

[NicksTrix]

our icons are leaving us....

 

[Yeller]

our icons are leaving us....

For sure but they are leaving behind a legacy, some of which are being well taken care of and shown off

Parneli’s 1978 trophy truck on display at the motor sports hall of fame museum at Daytona International Speedway

 

[ared77]

More -

Respected at Every Track: Remembering Parnelli Jones - Hagerty Media

Parnelli Jones thrived in a dangerous, hard-scrap era of motorsports and built a name for himself long after he left the driver's seat.

www.hagerty.com

 

[toddz69]

More -

http://[URL]https://www.hagerty.com...07f992c216f1f9d01bacadb65c1da6127d006f6d3dd3a

[/URL]

I read that one yesterday in my feed - I had to laugh - "fruitcuppers". Preston Lerner is an incredible writer - he really captured him well based on my limited interactions with him over the years.

Along with that one, I felt this article was the best one that captured his life and accomplishments:

https://racer.com/2024/06/04/parnelli-jones-1933-2024/

Todd Z.