PJ Jones in Mexico
Jones has numerous starts in all three of NASCAR’s top series, including 20 Busch Series starts since 2000. The California native has also started two Indianapolis 500s (2004, 2006), more than 50 Champ Car races and multiple sports car races. His father, Parnelli Jones, is a legendary driver with victories in all forms of motorsports, including the 1963 Indianapolis 500.
“I had an opportunity to drive for RCR three or four years ago but had to turn it down because I already had a commitment to drive for someone else," said Jones. “Turning Richard down was like sticking a knife in me so I’m glad he’s giving me another chance.
“The Mexican fans love their racing and it’s a great track for the NASCAR Busch Series. Adrian Fernandez and I were teammates in the CART Series so I’ve had a good dose of Mexican fans and am excited about racing down there."
It was announced Jan. 23, 2007, that AutoZone, the nation’s leading retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories, would sponsor the No. 21 AutoZone Chevrolet Monte Carlo team for the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series season. Two-time and defending NASCAR Busch Series champion Kevin Harvick and Timothy Peters have been tapped to run the majority of the season’s races. Harvick then took AutoZone to its first victory Feb. 17 in the season-opening Orbitz 300 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.
“We were looking for an experienced road racer for the Mexico race and we certainly have one in P.J. Jones," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “He’s always impressed me as a driver and I think he’ll do a great job for the AutoZone program."