American dream

Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing was a motor racing constructor and team from the USA. It was formed in 1969 by former USAC racer Parnelli Jones and his business partner Velko “Vel” Miletich.

Parnelli secured the services of ex-Team Lotus designer Maurice Philippe and driver Mario Andretti for USAC racing in the early 1970s, and in 1974 decided to move into Formula One, with the financial support of tire manufacturer Firestone. The team appeared in the last few races of 1974, before mounting a full campaign in 1975.

Picture above: Mario Andretti next to the Parnelli VPJ4, at Monza in 1975, where he qualified 15th but was forced to retire on the first lap, due to a collision with Tony Brise’s Hill-Ford.

The Parnelli VPJ4 was greatly inspired by the design of the Lotus 72 (also designed by Philippe). It appeared at the North American races at the end of the 1974 season and was gradually developed through 1975. However, Firestone’s decision to quit racing at the end of 1974 meant a major partner was lost.

Jones was unable to find a replacement title sponsor and despite improvement to the car, the team folded only three races into the 1976 season.

During this season and a half with the American team, Mario Andretti, despite all his best efforts and his talent, could only manage, as best result, a fourth place at the 1975 Swedish Grand Prix (picture below).