Scott Daloisio
(Perris, CA, August 19, 2014) 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.
Parnelli Jones wheeling a Midget around Ascot where he won the Turkey Night Grand Prix in 1963 and 1966.
“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.
Camping for all events at The PAS is available for $25.00 per night. The campground will open at noon on Friday. Tailgating in the spectator parking lot will begin at 1:00 PM for all PAS events as well.
Perris Auto Speedway wants to thank its corporate sponsors for the 2014 season. 1-800LoanMart, All Coast Construction, Amsoil, Ayers Hotel and Spa, BlueLine Rental, Budweiser, California Budget Finance, CamGuard, Champion Towing, City of Perris, Daytona Boat & RV Storage, Edelbrok, Engine Pro, HD Industries, Hoosier Tires, K&N Engineering, Marjon RV, Pacific Coach Works, Pep Boys, P.I.P.E., Pepsi-Cola, Pick-A-Part Auto Salvage, Running Waters Hospice, Scott Sales, Shaver Racing Engines, Sherwin-Williams, Sprint Car Driving Experience, Square H, Swedish Speed, Town and Country Golf Carts, Trench Shoring, United States Army, US Foods and Valley Auto Salvage.
To keep up with all of the latest Perris Auto Speedway news, photos, gossip and receive special offers, sign up at The PAS Facebook site at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Perris-Auto-Speedway/113876798686480?ref=hl
You can also keep up with the latest news and receive special offers from The PAS Twitter site: http://twitter.com/perrisautospdwy.
Video and DVD productions of all racing events at Perris Auto Speedway are available from Loudpedal Productions. For more information on these productions you can contact them by calling (805) 844-3854, E-mailing mailto:trtruex@gmail.com or you can visit the web site http://www.loudpedalvideo.com/
Perris Auto Speedway is located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds (home of October’s Southern California Fair), approximately one hour east of Los Angeles and one hour North of San Diego. To get to the track, take the 215 freeway, exit on the Ramona Expressway and go three miles east to the fairgrounds.
racesatthepas@aol.com is the only authorized Internet address to issue official media news released from The Perris Auto Speedway or Oval Entertainment