Parnelli Jones to be feted by RRDC in Long Beach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Judy Stropus, 203-438-0501; cell 203-243-2438;
jstropus@earthlink.net

PARNELLI JONES TO BE FETED BY RRDC IN LONG BEACH

HILLIARD, Ohio (March 15, 2010) - The Road Racing Drivers Club (RRDC) will
honor racing icon Parnelli Jones at its second annual West Coast dinner
prior to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, on Thursday, April 15. The
RRDC Evening with Parnelli Jones will be presented by Firestone, the tire
brand that has been associated with Jones since the 1960s.

Two-time IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti is the Honorary
Chairman of the dinner, and RRDC president and emcee Bobby Rahal will
conduct the "inquisition" of Jones, who was named Rufus Parnell at birth
until a high-school friend and classmate decided to call him "Parnelli² - a
name that has stuck with him through his life and career.

He now shares a common bond with other celebrities who are instantly
recognized by their first names, such as Cher, Madonna, Elvis, and even
Helio and Dario.

Born in 1933, in Texarkana, Ark., then relocating to Torrance, Calif., at a
young age, Jones made his mark in Dirt and Sprint Cars, winning the 1960
Midwest Sprint Car crown before moving on to racing at events such as Pikes
Peak, where he won in 1963, and in series such as USAC Stock Car, which he
won in 1964. He raced in his first Indy 500 in 1961, where he was named
Rookie of the Year, then won the prestigious event in 1963.

As a car owner, he claimed Indy 500 victories twice with Al Unser in 1970
and '71, and as a driver he earned the 1970 Trans-Am championship. His
on-track battles with Mark Donohue are legendary. He continued to compete in
off-road and Trans-Am races, then found success as a businessman, owning
Firestone Tire distributorships, among other ventures.

"Parnelli's career has spanned not only many years, but many racing series,"
said Rahal. "He epitomizes the rough and rugged individual it took to win
races back in the early '60s. He was a fierce competitor and carries that
fierceness into his business ventures today. We at the RRDC are proud to
honor his achievements.

"We are also privileged to have Firestone support this dinner," added Rahal.
"Parnelli and Firestone have a long history together, which continues
today." The dinner's proceeds will help support the Team USA Scholarship.

Last year's dinner honored another racing icon, Dan Gurney, which drew fans
and luminaries from all forms of motorsports, and was a huge success.

The RRDC Evening with Parnelli Jones will be held at the Hilton Hotel, 701
West Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, Calif., with cocktails at 7 p.m., and dinner at
8 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person and space is limited. Reservations may be
made at rrdc2@cox.net.

About the RRDC:
The Road Racing Drivers Club was formed in 1952 as a way to give champion
drivers a say in their sport, particularly in the areas of safety, and has
evolved to serve the future of road racing by mentoring new drivers on both
amateur and professional levels. The Club now has more than 150 active
members, including leading industry professionals, race officials and
motorsports journalists, in addition to prominent racing names.

President Bobby Rahal is the 1986 Indy 500 winner and is co-owner, with
David Letterman, of the 2004 Indianapolis 500 winning Rahal Letterman Racing
team. Six-time SCCA National champion John Fergus is the Club's Vice
President/Treasurer, and five-time SCCA National champion Tom Davey is the
Secretary. 

In addition to RRDC members lending their expertise to up-and-coming
drivers, the Club presents three annual awards: the Phil Hill Award for
rendering outstanding service to road racing; the Mark Donohue Award for
personal spirit and performance at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs;
and the Bob Akin Award for speed with style, passion, sportsmanship and
contribution to motorsports.

The RRDC also supports the Team USA Scholarship, which has been assisting
young Americans in the early stages of their careers since 1990.

Membership in the RRDC is by invitation only. Additional information on the
organization may be found at www.rrdc.org .

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