Parsons' first NASCAR race came in 1964 at Asheville-Weaverville Speedway in North Carolina. His car overheated that day and Parsons finished 21st taking home a check for $250. He became a regular on the tour in 1970 and raced through the 1988 Winston Cup season. Overall, his career spanned 21 years included 526 races, 21 wins, 199 top fives, 283 top tens and earnings in excess of $4.4 million.
Benny Parsons put together an amazing streak of nine years from 1972 through 1980 where he never finished outside the top five in Winston Cup points. In 1973 Benny Parsons won the Winston Cup championship, posting an incredible 21 top ten finishes during the 28 race season.
Parsons retired from active competition after the 1988 season. He then moved upstairs to the broadcast booth where his in-depth knowledge and sparkling personality made him a star.
Benny Parsons was 65 years old. He will be deeply missed.
