[oncea3fan]

Benny Parsons Dies at 65, he will be missed.
he was one of my favorite annoucers.

my prayers are with his family and friend.

God Bless

[simple simon]

he was always a nice guy and called a race evenly

he will be missed

[simple simon]

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR lost its second champion in less than two weeks when Benny Parsons died Tuesday. He was 65.


Parsons entered the Intensive Care Unit of the Carolinas Medial Center in Charlotte on Dec. 26 due to complications stemming from his battle with lung cancer.

Parsons, the 1973 Winston Cup champion, learned six months ago that he had cancer. He continued to work as a color analyst for NBC after learning about his condition, but missed a couple of races while undergoing treatment.

A member of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers, Parsons retired from racing in 1988 and moved into the broadcasting booth. He spent the past six years as a commentator on NBC and TNT, and continued to call races from the booth during his treatment.



ESPN.com - Benny Parsons, '73 Winston Cup champion, dies at 65

found an article

[Hassan]

God rest his soul, he is a man to remember.

[wingkey1]

Bummer. Was hoping for better news.

Flew back from New Hampshire one time many years ago. Year or two before Cup races began there. BP was on board. Had opportunity to speak with him.

Last words between us was my question to him - What are you doing here, there's no racin' in New Hampshire. Back to me with that big smile and a wink - Not yet there's not.

An approachable (from my viewpint) and "alive" person. Will be remembered and missed.

[Quality88]

Forever with us he will be.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

I have been going to Jayski, goprn and NASCAR.com for days now looking for an update. The one I found today was the one that I was beggining to fear. It just sucks too lose a guy like Benny. For some reason, Benny and NASCAR just go together. Most people were beginning to find him annoying, but I saw him as just the same old Benny. My prayers are with his family.

This is the final media release from BP

Glad to be back at the track
NBCSports.com
As I sit here on a beautiful fall day in Martinsville, Va., I can't believe how blessed I am. The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and the chase is on. This is a very exciting time of the year for any race fan, but you cannot imagine how exciting this is for old BP.
On July 13, the day after my 65th birthday, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I hadn't been feeling well for a while, and I knew something was wrong. Still, I wasn't prepared to hear my doctor say, "You have lung cancer." I guess nobody really ever could be. I didn't break down in tears. I didn't think that my life was over. I just felt strange -- surreal.
I had stopped by the doctor's office on my way to the airport. I was heading up to New Hampshire, looking forward to covering the Lenox Industrial Tools 300. Obviously, things were different now, and I had a lot more on my mind. Still, I figured there'd be no harm in traveling up to Loudon. I could go see my oncologist on Monday.
So I left the doctor's office, went home to tell my wife and family about my condition, then went to the airport to fly to New Hampshire. It was a huge mistake, and that weekend was probably the worst couple of days I've ever had.
The hardest thing was not knowing how bad the cancer was? Was it treatable? Had it spread to other organs? I just didn't know, and it drove me crazy. I also didn't tell anyone up in New Hampshire what was going on with me, so there was really no one to talk to there.
I don't know if I've ever been so nervous or as uncomfortable as I was sitting in the oncologist's office on Monday. The waiting was torture. When the oncologist came out after looking over my scans and taking some blood, he told me, "This is not a death sentence. The cancer is isolated in the left lung and it hasn't spread. The other good news is that you are otherwise healthy and we can start treatment immediately."
His words lifted my spirits, and though I knew a long road lay ahead, I was feeling positive. The uncertainty was gone, and I had a bounce in my step as I left his office.
A day or two later, NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick called. Rick had beaten leukemia 10 years ago and told me that I had to see his doctor, Dr. Steven Limentani of Charlotte. He swore by Dr. Limentani, so I went to see him immediately.
Dr. Limentani decided to treat my condition aggressively, and for the next 12 weeks he put me through a series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. As anyone who has had, or knows somebody who has undergone chemotherapy treatments, they can be a tough deal. Chemo tires you out, and while it kills cancer cells, chemo also kills healthy cells. My white and red blood cell counts became dangerously low during the treatment. I once had to spend three days in hospital.
I still followed the races and worked as much as I could. I ended up missing Michigan, California, Loudon, and Kansas. I just didn't feel well enough to travel. The folks at NBC and TNT, though, couldn't have been more understanding. "Get well BP, they told me. That is your first priority."
By Talladega, I was feeling better. Hendrick was instrumental in my recovery and had been flying me to races on his private plane so I could come in and leave on race day. He flew me down to the UAW-Ford 500 on Oct. 8. I can't tell you how good it felt to be at the track that Sunday.
The Wednesday before the Bank of America 500 at Lowe's, I had another scan. My doctor couldn't believe what he saw. "Remarkable!" he told me. "Ninety-nine percent of the cancer is gone!"
I went to Lowe's the next day and hung around the garage. It was the first time I had been back there since I had been diagnosed. To be able to talk racing and cars with friends -- I can't express how good that felt. And to see the smiles on the drivers' and crews' faces when they saw me -- it was an unbelievably gratifying feeling.
Someone asked me why I think I was able to beat the cancer so quickly. Now, I don't know if I've beaten it. I'm continuing to fight, and it looks like I'm winning. I got a nose in front for sure. Why? Besides being blessed, I think there are two reasons.
The first is Dr. Limentani's aggressive treatment. While the side effects were tough, his treatment and constant monitoring of my situation were invaluable. Hardly a day went by when he didn't check up on me. As good as the medicines were, his care was just as, if not more, important.
The second reason, and one for which I will ever be grateful, is the outpouring of love and concern from fans. I received thousands of cards and e-mails from people who I don't know. When "strangers" -- and I use that word cautiously because they aren't really strangers -- pour their souls out to you explaining how they or loved ones battled against cancer, it humbles you.
Sunday school classes wrote me, telling me to get well, and saying that they were praying for me. I received cards from Catholic and Baptist churches, Methodist congregations, and Jewish synagogues. It seemed like everyone in the world was pulling for me. I wish I had the words to describe how appreciative I am of their cards, letters, thoughts and prayers.
To everyone who wrote or had me in their prayers or thoughts, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You truly did make me better. And for those of you who may not be feeling well, please see a doctor. It may be nothing, but just in case, the earlier you catch a problem the better.

and finally, I think this is a must read.
NASCAR.COM - Jenkins: Parsons loved eats, song with colleague - Jan 16, 2007

[LSC9901]

TNT NBA Thursday Continues with Eastern and Western Conference Match-ups
A special tribute to former NASCAR Champion and TNT race analyst Benny Parsons to air during the NBA Tip-off Show

TNT NBA Thursday continues this Thurs., January 18 at 7 p.m. ET with the NBA Tip-off Show presented by AutoTrader.com, where Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley will tip-off the evening’s doubleheader coverage. During the pre-game show, the network will air a special tribute to TNT NASCAR colleague Benny Parsons who passed away this week after battling lung cancer. The tribute was written and will be voiced by TNT NASCAR announcer Bill Weber, a long-time friend and colleague of Parsons.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

TNT NBA Thursday Continues with Eastern and Western Conference Match-ups

A special tribute to former NASCAR Champion and TNT race analyst Benny Parsons to air during the NBA Tip-off Show

TNT NBA Thursday continues this Thurs., January 18 at 7 p.m. ET with the NBA Tip-off Show presented by AutoTrader.com, where Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley will tip-off the evening’s doubleheader coverage. During the pre-game show, the network will air a special tribute to TNT NASCAR colleague Benny Parsons who passed away this week after battling lung cancer. The tribute was written and will be voiced by TNT NASCAR announcer Bill Weber, a long-time friend and colleague of Parsons.

I just saw that LSC. Even though it was a fairly short tribute, I honestly was brought to tears. Im not ashamed, nor should I be, to say it. I just cant believe that we have lost a hell of a good guy.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by BringBackWilkesboro

I just saw that LSC. Even though it was a fairly short tribute, I honestly was brought to tears. Im not ashamed, nor should I be, to say it. I just cant believe that we have lost a hell of a good guy.

I agree. We've had a few discussions on here about different announcers and how good/bad (DW) they are. Not because he is gone but because, to me, he seemed neutral and not always the "if I were still driving, I'd ............." kind of guy, that made him good in my eyes.

Just my opinion.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I agree. We've had a few discussions on here about different announcers and how good/bad (DW) they are. Not because he is gone but because, to me, he seemed neutral and not always the "if I were still driving, I'd ............." kind of guy, that made him good in my eyes.

Just my opinion.

SIRIUS did a lot of tribute stuff on Benny. Two really stand out in my memory. One was an interview done by Dave Moody before Bill Weber replaced Alan Bestwick in the booth. It shows the grasp of things which Benny had. He was asked how he thought the change would affect the program and Benny replied, "Well Dave, I think it'll probably be a lot more theatrical and a lot less informative."

10-4 on that one, Benny, Ol' Friend.

They interview Jack Arute, who I don't especially care for but his description of Benny was one of the best I've heard. He said that Benny always felt that the drivers and the cars were the stars of the program and he believe it was the sole duty of the announcers to ensure that the drivers and cars remained the stars, and not the announcers. Jack indicated that Benny was never entirely comfortable with the "Buffet Benny" (the ESPN era) and the "Golden Benny" (I can't remember when these were on TV) Awards because he felt it put too much focus on him and detracted a bit from the competitors.

There are many who like FOX and the two Village Idiots because FOX's perspective is the exact opposite of Benny's. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that but I mention it only in passing to remind those who I have seen criticize Benny's performance in this forum that there are two ways to approach the profession of sports announcing.

Another factoid I learn was that Benny is the ONLY driver to win both the ARCA and Winston Cup championship.

With all sincerity: Benny, alav ha-sholem.

[thunderfoot]

I can remember as a little boy growing up in Virginia and playing with the other racers kids at Langley Speedway and Benny Parsons would give me and my sister a bag of peanuts. He became known as the peanut man. Always one of the most favorite. He will be missed.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

SIRIUS did a lot of tribute stuff on Benny. Two really stand out in my memory. One was an interview done by Dave Moody before Bill Weber replaced Alan Bestwick in the booth. It shows the grasp of things which Benny had. He was asked how he thought the change would affect the program and Benny replied, "Well Dave, I think it'll probably be a lot more theatrical and a lot less informative."

10-4 on that one, Benny, Ol' Friend.

They interview Jack Arute, who I don't especially care for but his description of Benny was one of the best I've heard. He said that Benny always felt that the drivers and the cars were the stars of the program and he believe it was the sole duty of the announcers to ensure that the drivers and cars remained the stars, and not the announcers. Jack indicated that Benny was never entirely comfortable with the "Buffet Benny" (the ESPN era) and the "Golden Benny" (I can't remember when these were on TV) Awards because he felt it put too much focus on him and detracted a bit from the competitors.

There are many who like FOX and the two Village Idiots because FOX's perspective is the exact opposite of Benny's. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that but I mention it only in passing to remind those who I have seen criticize Benny's performance in this forum that there are two ways to approach the profession of sports announcing.

Another factoid I learn was that Benny is the ONLY driver to win both the ARCA and Winston Cup championship.

With all sincerity: Benny, alav ha-sholem.

I remember the Buffet Benny and Golden Benny segments. The Golden Benny Award was given to the crew who could pull off a sub 13 second pitstop. I believe it was '02 when they did this. I remember they used a spoof of Elton John's Benny and the Jets. The NASCAR.com column I posted a link to has one of my favorite Benny stories.

Parsons absolutely hated to sit in traffic, which puts him in line with every other NASCAR driver that lived.
Parsons eventually came up with ways to escape the logjams in just about every track the Cup circuit visited. When the series hosted its first Cup race in Las Vegas in 1998, Parsons found himself horrified to see the track backed up on Las Vegas Boulevard.
"When we went to Las Vegas for the first time, he hadn't figured out the escape route completely," Jenkins said. "But he had this idea.
"Benny made a right-hand turn into Nellis Air Force Base. We got in, and there were these signs as large as billboards, saying, 'Private Government Property, no trespassing, violators will be prosecuted.'
"It didn't matter to Benny. He was not sitting in traffic. We went right through. It was probably in the same element as Area 51 where the government was watching every move you made, but we went right ahead and traversed those roads and didn't sit in traffic for a minute.
"It was nothing to Benny. His goal was to avoid traffic any way you could, even taking a chance at being prosecuted by the federal government."

[nascarfan24]

i going to really miss hem "q the duck!"
he was a good guy