John Wayne Parsons (born August 26, 1944 in Van Nuys, California) is an American race car driver. He is the son of 1950 Indianapolis 500 winner Johnnie Parsons and Arza Parsons (née Mitchell). His parents divorced, and Johnny was raised with half-brothers Dana and Pancho Carter, the product of Arza's marriage with Duane Carter. The Carters grew up racing quarter-midgets in Indianapolis. His first name is spelled differently than his father's. Though not his legal name, he was sometimes referred to in the media as "Johnny Parsons Jr." to distinguish him from his father. Racing family Parsons started twelve Indianapolis 500 races. His last Indy 500 start was the 1996 race. His best finish was fifth in 1977 and 1985. Parsons finished second in the 1977 USAC National points. Parsons has also twice finished second in the USAC championship dirt cars. Parsons won 29 midget car features (as of 1994), 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, Parsons replaced him as the driver expert for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network's broadcasts of race activities. Career award Parsons was inducted in the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1994. Racing record Complete USAC Mini-Indy Series results IRL IndyCar Series Indianapolis 500 results References 1944 births Living people American racing drivers Champ Car drivers Indianapolis 500 drivers IndyCar Series drivers People from Van Nuys, Los Angeles Racing drivers from California Racing drivers from Los Angeles USAC Silver Crown Series drivers