1963 Indianapolis 500 Winner Parnelli Jones, 90
![Parnelli Jones](/sites/default/files/styles/article_full/public/2024-06/Parnelli-1400x600.jpg?itok=nyBG7C_8)
Parnelli Jones, the 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner and accomplished racer across many disciplines, has passed away. He was 90.
Born Rufus Parnell Jones, he was the first driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 at an average speed faster than 150 mph, setting track records in 1962 and 1963. After retiring from racing, Jones fielded a team with longtime business partner Vel Miletich, winning the "500" in 1970 and 1971. The team also made ventures into Formula 1 and SCCA.
Additionally, Jones ran in the USAC Stock Car Championship for Bill Stroppe's Mercury team, and later teamed up with Stroppe to score five major off-road wins in the famed "Big Oly" Ford Bronco.
He is a member of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, the National Motorsports Hall of Fame and both the National Sprint Car and National Midget Halls of Fame.
To read more, visit indycar.com.