“Whoosh!” was inspired by the 1967 STP-Paxton Turbocar, developed and brought to Indianapolis Motor Speedway by Andy Granatelli. Parnelli Jones drove the Pratt & Whitney Canada ST6B-62 turbine engine, leading 171 of the 200 laps. With only four laps remaining, a $6 bearing failed ending Parnelli’s chances for a second 500 win. AJ Foyt regained the lead to win his 3rd Indy 500.

More on this transformation racecar – here.

Mike Lashmett, co-founder of Vintage Indy Registry, had worked with Parnelli when he was younger, and helped make arrangements for me to visit the shop and show Parnelli the painting. Parnelli remembered Dad (who had competed with him) and somewhat remembered me. He and Jim even helped me identify the approximate location of the dirt track I likely drove my quarter midget at. They also told me that it’s likely Pancho Carter and Johnny Parsons, Jr., were competitors of mine.

He and Jim Dilimater made me feel like a family member that had been gone for a while. Parnelli autographed the painting, then bought it and had me deliver it to Vince Granatelli, son of Andy Granatelli. Vince is equally as pleasant a person as Parnelli.

Sale of any reproductions of this painting will benefit Parnelli’s foundation that supports families with members who’ve sustained brain injuries. Contact me if you like to help Parnelli’s foundation and have a print of this original. I rescanned it so, if preferred, you can included the image that has Parnelli’s autograph included.