Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing, commonly referred to simply as Parnelli or VPJ,  was formed in 1969 by former USAC racer Parnelli Jones and his business partner Velko "Vel" Miletich.

The Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing team was first formed in 1969 by Jones and his business partner Velko “Vel” Miletich. What started as a prosperous U.S.-based USAC operation quickly grew international aspirations after Al Unser won back-to-back Indy 500s with the team. 

In 1974 Parnelli decided to move into Formula One racing, with financial support from tire manufacturer Firestone. After a brief foray into Formula One at the end of the 1974 season, Vel's Parnelli Jones mounted a full campaign in 1975.  Their Parnelli VPJ4 car owed much to Philippe's Lotus 72 design.

The team withdrew from F1 early in the 1976 season due to financial constraints and the withdrawal of primary backing from Firestone/company sponsor shifts, running their final race at the 1976 US West Grand Prix. In total, Vel's Parnelli Jones participated in 16 Grands Prix and scored 6 championship points.

 

Headquartered: Torrance, California,  1974-1976

vp j4

The Parnelli VPJ4 was a Formula One racing car designed by Maurice Philippe, and used by Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing during the 1974, 1975 and 1976 Formula One seasons.

 

The car was a slim, light car featuring a distinct wedge-shaped aluminum monocoque and a sharp chisel nose. Rather than a traditional front radiator, it utilized hip radiators positioned at the rear of the sidepods to maximize aerodynamics.

 

The VPJ4 made its debut at the 1974 Canadian Grand Prix with Andretti and finished seventh. At the United States, the American's car developed an ignition fault on the parade lap, and the start was delayed 25 minutes while the crew attempted to solve the problem. Finally, Andretti took his place on the grid, but when starter Tex Hopkins dropped the green flag, the Parnelli car did not move and the field had to scramble to avoid the American. The Parnelli mechanics eventually got the car push started two laps late, but Andretti was black-flagged for receiving outside assistance.

The Cosworth 3.0L V8 delivered approximately 480 horsepower and weight in at 578 kg.

Only three chassis variants were ever built. Early on, the car suffered from chronic unreliability and struggled to adapt when Firestone unexpectedly pulled out of racing, forcing a hasty switch to Goodyear tires.

A young engineer named John Barnard (who would later revolutionize F1 with McLaren) was brought in to re-work and upgrade the car into the "B" specification during 1975.

The Parnelli team scored no World Championship points during the year.

mario andretti

1974

ford cosworth dfv 2993 cc V8 naturally aspirated mid-engine

mosport park, bowmanville, ontario, canada

Parnelli VP J4 1974

1974-1976

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