2011 Legends of Riverside

[vnmsss]

Spent the day at the third annual Legends of Riverside event at the Riverside International Automotive Museum. Racing legend Parnelli Jones was this year's honoree, and it was great to hear the stories from so many of his major accomplishments in his racing career. On the racetrack, Parnelli Jones was skilled, relentless and demonstrated great versatility in his driving. Among his many accomplishments, he won six Indy Car races, including the Indianapolis 500, won 25 Sprint Car races, 25 Midget races, and 13 Stock Car races on different circuits. He also won in Off-Road vehicles and in Sports Cars, and darn near won the Indianapolis 500 in a turbine car. A-Mazing!

Link to Press Enterprise story 3/27/2011 (Can you find the Factory Five racecar in that overhead photo?)
http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_legends27.27b6cdf.html

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r27/snkbtn/2011%20Legends%20of%20Riverside/DSCF1357.jpg

Meetting so many legendary drivers made for one great evening, but meeting these two legends were the highlights of this racer's day, week, month and year:
Parnelli Jones with his legendary #15 winning car at Riverside
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r27/snkbtn/2011%20Legends%20of%20Riverside/DSCF1340.jpg

More on Parnelli Jones
http://www.trans-amseries.com/OriginalDrivers/ParnelliJones.htm

What can I say.......THE legendary Bobby Allison (Hat's off to you Alabama Boys!)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r27/snkbtn/2011%20Legends%20of%20Riverside/DSCF1345.jpg
This year's event may have focused on Parnelli Jones, however meeting Bobby Allison, having a chance to chat for a minute, looking into those eyes, and getting a big, warm (Southern gentleman-syle) hug from this racer's racer is a moment I'll be holding onto forever......Here's just a snippet of what the great Bobby Allison "lived" out there on track...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUnvd7-hZRE (and thus began restrictor plate racing)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqnMM46SBLo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRRFVjouKig&feature=related

Davey Allison Tribute
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKKMIYplNAc&feature=related
Father and Son
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmsKy15eICQ&feature=fvsr

And THIS is the stuff that made NASCAR an over the top sensation with the fans....(Hard to imagine this is the same gentleman I met last evening).....Lionheart!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXbHQtZH8dE

Karen

[vnmsss]

Three legends...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r27/snkbtn/2011%20Legends%20of%20Riverside/DSCF1344.jpg

Parnelli's son, Page Jones, was severely injured in a sprint car race in the early 1990's, and the family has created a foundation to raise awareness and provide support for victims of Traumatic Brain Injury. Page Jones spoke at the dinner last evening, inspiring the audience with his tenacity and strong spirit for life.
http://www.hammerdownusa.com/JonesPage.htm

Parnelli's grandaughter (Page's daughter and future road racer) Joie Jones with her mom.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r27/snkbtn/2011%20Legends%20of%20Riverside/DSCF1359.jpg

Andy Salvaggio with the legendary George Folmer and his nephew
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r27/snkbtn/2011%20Legends%20of%20Riverside/DSCF1328.jpg

Andy's dream girl.....(Miss "Shifty")
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r27/snkbtn/2011%20Legends%20of%20Riverside/DSCF1336.jpg

K

[John Card]

Looks like a great time Karen! :)

[frankeeski]

As always Karen, great commentary! Where do you find the time?

Anyone else thinking what I am? What's in the blue cup Parnelli?

[68GT500MAN]

Looks like a great time was had by all (a Southern Gentleman's hug and a photo op with Linda). I hope to see you and Andy at the HB event next month.
Doug

[Wayne Presley]

Great pics Karen, I got to ride around RIR at speed on my 750 Kawasaki about 2 months before they bulldozed it. Fun track and the esses and 6/6a were really wild to ride. Fun memories.

[Jeff Collins]

Good times, man Linda Vaughn is everywhere.