Benny Parsons has died

[Gator]

Benny Parsons, a former taxi driver turned NASCAR champion, died Tuesday after a short battle with lung cancer, his son Keith said. He was 65.

Parsons, the 1972 NASCAR champion, died in Charlotte, N.C. He was diagnosed with cancer in his left lung in July after complaining of difficulty breathing. A former smoker who quit the habit in 1978, Parsons underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments and was declared "cancer-free" in October.

But the aggressive treatment cost Parsons the use of his left lung, and he was hospitalized Dec. 26 when doctors found a blood clot in his right lung. He was transferred to intensive care shortly after his admission, and he remained there in an induced-coma.

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.

Parsons won 21 races in 526 starts, including the 1975 Daytona 500. He finished no lower than fifth in the points from 1972 to 1980 while earning more than $4 million. He also won ARCA titles in 1968-69.

He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1994, and the National Motorsports Press Association's Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame in 1995.

[whitetailtrax]

RIP Benny. Prayers to the family.

[OJR]

Sorry to hear this! He was just a "nice" guy! Enjoyed listening to him!

[AdvantageTimberLou]

This is sad to hear, always liked Benny, one of the good guys and all around nice guy.

God Speed Benny!

Prayers and condolences to his family.

[WVstrutter]

RIP BP

[BowJoe]

Very sad to hear of his death. He was a friend to anyone he met.

[deerslayer06]

RIP BENNY. I loved that guy. he was a great driver and a great commentator.

[nutz4bucks]

That's was sad to hear.. but on the same note he's much better now...he was a fighter and one heck of a man

[IowaDeerHunter]

Wow that is sad. I know we will all miss Benny around the track, he was a great guy.

Rip Benny, wont be the same without you announcing. :sad:

[okbowman]

I wish I could have ridden in his taxi!! Sorry to hear the news!!

[tedicast]

I heard that news today, and it kind of hit me hard. Not gonna be the same watching a race without good ole BP doing the commentary. R.I. P., BP

[LETMGROW]

I will miss him for sure. One of the greats in my opinion!

[Born2Hunt]

RIP,BP we will all miss you.

[kylongbeards]

He will be missed,truly one of a kind,RIP Benny.

[dlriggins]

It is always sad when a legend passes on but I find comfort in knowing that ol BP is in the best of company and friends we will miss you Benny