Parneli Jones Passes  

More info on the Johnny Lightning Special:  https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2020/05/08/unser-parnelli-bignotti-brought-johnny-lightnight-special-to-life-at-indy-500

When I was in elementary school and middle school, I looked in the school library probably just about every week for new books on racing... There were very few to begin with, and of the few there were, some were about forms of racing that I wasn't that interested in (compared to Indy Cars/Champ Cars.)

I found some with names like Foyt, Ward, Sachs, and Parnelli Jones, so from the first time I had heard his name, I had an idea of where he belonged, which was at the top of anyone's indy car driver list.  I didn't know until later of his involvment in other forms of racing, but like the really great racers, Parnelli could win in anything.

I always picture the great looking white and brillant blue trimmed #98 (front engine and also the rear engine car) when I think of Parnelli.  From my view, he will always be part of my Mt. Rushmore when it comes to Indy Car drivers from 60's.