INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Johnny Parsons Jr., who competed in the Indianapolis 500 12 times between 1974 and 1996, joined News 8 Daybreak to discuss his career and experiences.

Parsons Jr. comes from a racing family; his father, Johnny Parsons Sr., won the Indianapolis 500 in 1950. Before dedicating himself to racing, Parsons Jr. spent two years as an LAPD officer.

Johnny Parsons Jr. recalled how his father’s involvement in racing influenced his own path. He started with a quarter midget and discovered a talent for the sport. He decided to pursue racing professionally at 24 years old, a decision he has never regretted.

“We lose more police officers througho...