The VPJ4 made its debut at the 1974 Canadian Grand Prix with Andretti and finished seventh. At the United States, the American's car developed an ignition fault on the parade lap, and the start was delayed 25 minutes while the crew attempted to solve the problem. Finally, Andretti took his place on the grid, but when starter Tex Hopkins dropped the green flag, the Parnelli car did not move and the field had to scramble to avoid the American. The Parnelli mechanics eventually got the car push started two laps late, but Andretti was black-flagged for receiving outside assistance.