Unless I’m talking about a specific Tom Cruise movie, or that story about Sleepy Hollow, I don’t normally like to use the term legend around here. When it comes to certain racing drivers however, there’s no better term, and one driver who assuredly fits that description is Parnelli Jones.

If you are less than familiar with the exploits of the 1963 Indy 500 winner and Indy Turbine Racing Car (!) driver, then there’s no better way to bone up than to read Jones’ autobiography, As a Matter of Fact, I Am Parnelli Jones. And should you be in the Los Angeles area, there’s no better way to do so than by heading over on Saturday the 16th to Autobooks-Aerobooks in Burbank where from 10-2 Parnelli Jones himself will be signing copies.

Presently 79, the retired racer’s life story should be a page-turner owing to how varied a career he enjoyed. Parnelli wasn’t just a successful Indy driver, he also won the USAC Stock Car crown in 1964, gave Ford the Trans Am Manufacturer’s Championship in 1970, and won the Baja 1000 in both 1971 and 1972. 

The Autobooks-Aerobooks listing for Jones’ autobiography explains that it is no ordinary telling of a racer’s life – 

For race fans who know the sport’s history, “Parnelli Jones” is synonymous with speed. Jones’ journey from California jalopy wars to victory lane at the Indianapolis 500 is the stuff of American motorsports legend. Now, at last, Parnelli tells the story of his incredible racing life. Each chapter is introduced by Bourcier to set the scene and ends with a personal reminiscence by a racer, owner, or friend who was there, including A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Bobby and Al Unser, Bud Moore, Johnny Rutherford, Tony Stewart, and more.

A true Hooniversal Joint, Autobooks-Aerobooks is located at 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank, CA and is well worth the trip alone as it’s one of the best resources for books and scale models about pretty much anything with wheels, wings, or whatever. Parnelli Jones will be at Autobooks-Aerobooks on Saturday March 16th from 10AM until 2PM, signing copies of his autobiography. I hope to see you there.

Image sources: Autobooks-Aerobooks, Pakwheels