The 1967 Motor Trend 500 at Riverside International Raceway was a dramatic two-day event, originally scheduled for January 22 but interrupted by rain around lap 50. The race was red-flagged and resumed one week later on January 29. A field of 44 cars took the green flag on the challenging 2.7-mile road course, with Dick Hutcherson earning the pole position at 106.951 mph in his Bondy Long Ford.
Parnelli Jones, driving the #115 Ford for Bill Stroppe, dominated the 185-lap race to score a convincing victory, finishing two full laps ahead of runner-up Paul Goldsmith. Norm Nelson finished third, Don White fourth, and James Hylton fifth. Jones earned $18,720 for the win and led the final 100 laps (126 total), marking his first NASCAR Grand National victory since a dirt-track win in California in 1959 — and his fourth and final career win in the series. The race averaged 91.080 mph.
The weekend was overshadowed by tragedy when Canadian USAC driver Billy Foster was killed during practice on January 20. Foster suffered brake failure in turn nine, slammed into the wall driver’s side first, and died from the impact. High attrition marked the race itself, with mechanical failures claiming several top contenders. Dan Gurney, winner of the previous four Riverside 500s, led 36 laps before blowing an engine on lap 143. Richard Petty also struggled, finishing 21st after radiator issues.
This hard-fought win on the West Coast road course added an exciting chapter to the 1967 Grand National season, showcasing the blend of NASCAR regulars and open-wheel stars that defined Riverside’s unique appeal.
