PARNELLI JONES CELEBRATION OF LIFE - "PARNELLI FOREVER" - THURSDAY, FOURTH OF JULY, 2024 - SPECIAL LIVE! ONLINE EVENT

Miss Linda Vaughn Salutes Rufus Parnelli Jones this morning, 4rth Of July - *Parnelli Forever!* 

Good Fourth Of July morning, from Ensenada Baja Mexico!

Summer has arrived in Baja California and we have prepared an entire day devoted to BAJA Racing Hall Of FAMES' Eternal Grand Marshal, Parnelli Jones and his Celebration Of Life today.

Accordingly, the Hall Of Fame, based here in Mexico also announces now, every Fourth Of July into the future is devoted to the Greatest Racer in Baja History, Parnelli Jones!

*parnelli forever!*

Today you'll discover, without Parnelli Jones, Baja Racing would have been some nobody's parlor game.

BAJA Racing Hall Of FAME Members Bill Stroppe, George Hurst, James Garner and Linda Vaughn made Parnelli Jones' inclusion in off-road motorsports here in Baja California, Mexico - pure Magic!

Video courtesy of owner Jack Cooperman (Member) and Baja Sun Films (Member)

Video pictured above, Miss Linda Vaughn in Baja Mexico, at Ensenada for the start of the event. Click Here

Ace fabricator Bill Stroppe talked Jones into off-road racing. Jones initially balked at the sport until Stroppe said he guessed maybe Parnelli wasn’t man enough for it.

That was all it took. 

Jones won two Baja 1000s and five Baja 500s. The whole time Jones ran a string of Firestone tire dealerships with the slogan, “Get your Stones from Parnelli Jones.” Many people did. 

Jones came from an era where disagreements with other drivers were settled with a punch in the nose. Parnelli was about the best of the brawlers of his day, so it was usually him getting in the first and often only punch. That settled that, right or wrong.

SPECIAL LIVE! ONLINE EVENT - PARNELLI JONES CELEBRATION OF LIFE - "PARNELLI FOREVER" - THURSDAY, FOURTH OF JULY, 2024

MEMORIAL GUEST BOOK

June 12, 2024

j. earl Westbrook

I saw him race a few times in nascar, also at pikes peak. Comfort and strength for his family and friends.

June 9, 2024

Other

Patricia A Snover

My condolences to your family. I do remember Parnelli, back in the day. May he rest in peace.

June 7, 2024

joyce mavar

such a nice/sweet man that had a giant heart and giant laugh! I remember when he brought the boys in to my pizza place and I made him make the pizza's - he did it but what a mess he made ! He and Judy were always so sweet to my son Jason who was Page's friend and did so many fun things with the kids. My heart goes out to all of you - Judy, PJ and Pudge - Be strong and let the fond memories guide you through this sadness.

Always, Joyce Mavar

June 7, 2024

Rhonda

I had the pleasure of working for Parnelli when he had VPJ Racing in the 70's what an amazing man I was in his sponsorship dept thanks for the memories Rhonda Marshall

June 6, 2024

Other

Bob Hackl

My deepest condolences to the family. As a 13-year-old fan attending my first big race, the '67 Times Grand Prix, RIR didn't disappoint. Parnelli's spirited drive in Bignotti's underdog T70 Ford that day continues to inspired me. About perseverance. Tenacity. I was fortunate to have met him at the Petersen Museum, early 2000's. He indulged me with a leisurely chat about that race and Indy, '67. My wife of 35 years was recently diagnosed with PD. We will persevere.

June 6, 2024

Other

Carson Loveless

Condolences to his family

June 6, 2024

Mr. Jr.

My condolences.

June 6, 2024

Friend

Pat Bondurant

I would like to send PJ and Jagger a special message- your Dad was incredibly proud of you - he often called Bob to see if he was following your career PJ and of course he was- then Parnelli called about young Jagger- you brought him to the school after Graduation Bob called Parnelli "He´s a going to be a champion just like you Parnelli - maybe bigger- get him with the right team owner - he´s the best young driver I´ve ever trained" and coming from Bob that was huge.
Judy my heart goes out to you, it´s so hard losing our special husbands, but I can bet Parnelli already found Bob , the Unsers and all the guys in Race Heaven. I can see a smiling Bob saying "You just go through the Pearly Gates and the track will be in the left" They are all very happy to welcome Parnelli , trust me

June 6, 2024

CA

What a list of accomplishments! His name is synonymous with auto racing, in all its forms. The legend, that the legends looked up to!

June 5, 2024

Friend

Elizabeth Bell

RIP Mr.Parnelli my condolences

PARNELLI JONES PASSES INTO BAJA RACING HISTORY, 2024

Sponsored By CABO Safari Resort

LIVE ! ONLINE Fourth of July, Thursday

First published June 2024

First Reported July 6, 2020 Bill Stroppe/Jim Garner

Author - Publisher Sr. Jose Salas II, 

BAJA Racing Hall Of FAME