On September 25th, 1994 I stood in an apartment in San Luis Obispo California and watched my big, tough, Budweiser chugging roommate Dave Wolf break down at the news that one of his best friends, Page Jones, had been in a very bad sprint car accident at the “4-Crown Nationals” at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. I didn’t know Page personally, but I didn’t have to. Page is the youngest, and sometimes forgotten, son of Parnelli Jones. His brother P.J. is three years older and has had a very successful career behind the wheel of too many cars and trucks to count. The Jones brothers were taking the racing world by storm at only 22 and 25 respectively, having started their careers much earlier, when tragedy struck. During a typical “catch the wall and flip” sprint car moment, Page was hit by another car directly into the roll cage of his machine. The resulting skull fracture nearly killed him. In fact, according to Page he did die. And clinically he died at least once, if not a couple times before arriving at the hospital. But thanks to a great family, great care, and a spirit like none other, Page Jones survived his traumatic brain injury. He’s no race car driver anymore, at least not on the outside, but the life he has lived, the lessons he has learned, the lessons he’s taught others, and the amazing success he has become are all a part of this new film about his life.
If you want to see the film, it will premier this Friday in Pasadena California. I’ll be out of town for the day so won’t get to see it but, it plays through the 8th of October so I’ll go later in the weekend and check it out.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SHOWINGS
SEE A CLIP OF WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THE FILM BELOW
About The Film
“Godspeed: The Story of Page Jones” is a documentary of a racecar driver’s recovery from a severe traumatic brain injury. Chronicling 20 years, Page Jones redefines victory while advocating for access to long-term rehabilitation for others. Page is living proof that with support, quality lives are within reach.
The story begins with a crash. Page Jones’ young life passes before his eyes.
With Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones for a father, comparisons are easy. Page is expected to be a great driver and he is. Leading at Eldora Speedway in 1994, he hits the wall. The accident looks routine but is not. While rolling he is hit in the head by a passing racecar. By the time Page’s racecar stills, he is turning blue.
His near death experience gives him a reason to choose life.
He would not wake up fully for months having suffered a severe brain injury. Page does not remember being 22 but footage from his early recovery shows his struggle.
While no family is prepared for the burdens of taking care of someone with such an injury, the Jones family is determined. Page will never race again, but he will have a life worth living.
After 15 years, Page has a positive attitude and lives with his wife Jamie and their family. His short-term memory is unreliable. Learning new skills is difficult yet his daily pursuit. He is a working miracle.
Page encourages his family to help him share his story and advocate for others who still struggle. His message is two-fold: access to quality rehabilitation is essential and never give up.
