John Wayne Parsons (born August 26, 1944) is an American race car driver….who started twelve Indianapolis 500 races….with his last Indy 500 start being the 1996 race. His best finish was fifth in 1977 and 1985. Parsons also finished second in the 1977 USAC National points…..while also finishing 2nd twice in the USAC championship dirt cars. Parsons won 29 midget car features…. including major wins at: the 4-Crown Nationals midget car feature twice….the 1979 Hut Hundred….and the 1986 Copper World Classic midget feature. He has won two Silver Crown and five sprint car features.
When Davey Hamilton decided to come out of retirement to run in the 2007 Indy 500….Johnny Parsons replaced him as the driver expert for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network’s broadcasts of race activities. This video provides a look-back at Parson’s 1986 Indy 500 run….that came to a halt before the race ends.
