---

PARNELLI JONES NAMED GRAND MARSHAL OF THE TURKEY NIGHT GRAND PRIX!

Last Saturday night at Perris Auto Speedway, promoter Don Kazarian announced to the large crowd at the USAC/CRA Sprint Car race that American racing icon Parnelli Jones would be the Grand Marshal of the 74th running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix on Thanksgiving night. The occasion will mark the 50th anniversary of Jones' first win in the famous midget race at legendary Ascot Park in Gardena, California.

“It is an honor to have Parnelli Jones as the Grand Marshal of the Turkey Night Grand Prix,” Kazarian reaffirmed from his office on Monday afternoon. “He is one of the greatest drivers in the history of American auto racing. He was a proven winner in jalopies, sprint cars, midgets, road racing, NASCAR and Indy Cars. He could drive the wheels off anything he sat in.”

Jones, who lives in Rolling Hills Estates, copped his first win in the prestigious Midget race just one year after winning the Indianapolis 500 while driving for legendary race car owner and promoter J.C. Agajanian. Ironically, Agajanian’s three sons, Cary, J.C. Jr. and Chris, oversee the Turkey Night Grand Prix to this day.

Kazarian said Parnelli will not be on the only member of the family who will be attending the Thanksgiving night race.

“Parnelli and his entire family will be coming,” Kazarian said. “His wife, sons and grandchildren will all be there.”

The Turkey Night Grand Prix is the longest running and most prestigious midget race in the world. Started in 1934 at Gilmore Stadium in Hollywood, which is now the site of CBS Studios, according to Kazarian, Turkey Night is the “second longest running race in the nation.” It only ranks behind the Indianapolis 500 when it comes to longevity.

“The list of winners of the Turkey Night Grand Prix is quite impressive,” Kazarian stated. “Among the notables that have won the race you have Parnelli (2), A.J. Foyt (2), Bill Vukovich, Tony Bettenhausen (2), Gary Bettenhausen, Stan Fox (2), Tony Stewart, Jason Leffler, Billy Boat (3), Bubby Jones, Ron Shuman (8), defending champion Dave Darland (2) and many, many others. Two years ago when Turkey Night first returned to The PAS, current NASCAR Sprint Cup sensation Kyle Larson took the win. With drivers like these, if your name is etched onto the famous Aggie trophy you know you have achieved a major racing accomplishment.”

Fans can receive a $10.00 per ticket discount for the 74th Running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix by purchasing their tickets in advance by October 31st. They can be obtained at The PAS souvenir stand on a race night, by phone at 1-800-595-4849 or online by clicking on the following link: http://pas.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=7

For more information on The PAS call: (951) 940-0134.

For further information contact Scott Daloisio (909) 226-7768 or mailto: racesatthepas@aol.com

Back to News