What is your favorite Benny Parsons memories?

Question

In respect of the passing of Benny Parsons today (1/16/07), what is your best memories of BP? The first time I've heard of his name is when I built the 1/24th plastic scale model kit of his #72 KINGS ROW Chevelle, although he had already Won the 1973 NASCAR Championship, very little news was given to Auto Racing at the time. I can still remember the MRN radio broadcasts naming the leaders of the race, "Pearson, Parsons, Petty". We will certainly miss his latest quote, "Que the Duck!". My thoughts and prayers go to the Parsons family.

Answer 1

My best memories of Benny are when we were both working for ESPN. I was new and working with a "Real TV Crew" for the first time.

At lunch in the compound tent, everyone got a plate of food and found a seat. BP was finishing up some last minute stuff and got to the lunch line last. The last open seat was next to me. As we ate lunch, the other "talking heads" would tell other people to bring them back a second helping of what ever food item they wanted, even though it was easier for the talking head to get up and get it himself.

BP was the only one that offered to bring back a second helping of anything to those seated around him. No matter what the other persons station, or job function was.

A few weeks later, I was hired to work another ESPN gig in Bakersfield, California. I checked into the hotel, and went to the hotel restuant to eat dinner. I was sitting at a table with my back to the door. A few minutes later PB came up to the table and asked if he could share the table with me.

At dinner we did not discuss TV or Racing at all. He was genuinely interested in my life, what i did before i started working in TV, where I grew up..........., about my family.......... where I lived.........

If you have ever met any of the other talking heads and had to deal with them in a work situation, it is sometimes unbearable. The ego is always in need of inflation. It is always me...... me.... me..... me.......... me.......... Make ME look good.

BP never had the need to inflate the ego. He was a REAL person.

Answer 2

I met Benny Parsons in the early 70's while working for Jeff Pierce in Connecticut. At that time, the Kings Row Chevrolet (as we called it) was Benny's car and Jeff was a sponsor. It was an exciting time to know Benny, watch him race and experience NASCAR. Benny was just a great guy - very down to earth, not pretentious. When I moved to CA in 1978, I saw him race at Sears Point. Afterward, he treated my whole family to dinner. We often reminisce about those days and how much fun we had. I've enjoyed watching him succeed as a commentator over the years and know he will be missed.

Answer 3

Two comes to mind.
The ARCA awards about 13 or 14 years ago Benny Parsons was a gest speaker.My son was 6 or 7 and had not scored any autographs andwas upset.Well this guy stopped and turned to my son and pulled an 8X10 out of a folder and personalised it to my son,good luk Benny Parsons.This i the center peice of his collection.
The second was a tragic time.It was 1993 Davey Allison had crashed in his helocopter.Benny came to the hospital in Birmingham and became te unofficial spokesman for the Allison family.He stayed thru the funeral and acted as spokesman.
He will be missed.God bless.

Answer 4

I met him briefly at the 1983 Southern 500 at Darlington. As a buck private on leave from nearby Ft.Jackson, SC me and a fellow soldier were able to get our way into the pits. As the race progressed BP had started suffering from extreme heat and humidity of the area and was replaced in his #55 Copenhagen MC. My buudy approached him soon afterwards and after a brief chat i discovered that BP and the father of my buddy used to race in ARCA in the60's, he really seemed to remember him from a younger boy and his family, after a few minutes he retreated for some well deserved rest and fluids. even though Bobby Allison won, i will never forget the chance meeting with one of the last "bootleggers" left that made the sport what is was..

Answer 5

In 2002 at Chicagoland Speedway, Benny walked through the pedestiran tunnel to the infield. He was carrying something, but I couldn't tell what he had. He was headed toward the pits to present the first "Golden Benny" award to the #17 pit crew. Benny did a lot of good things for the fans and the competitors. We'll miss him.

Answer 6

Believe this or not When ever Benny visited Watkins Glen he always ventured up the eastern Seneca Lake shoreline to the small hamlet of Burdett NY. There he'd go to his old buddy Gene Lane's home for a big ole barbecue. There he'd find the quiet beautiful sight of upstate NY grape country. Gene is the older brother of Calvin (swivel) Lane and Malcom (Mel) Lane of Dundee NY. Both highly successful Modified and sprint car drivers.

Answer 7

I am too young to remember Parsons the racer, but I know he won the championship in 73 (or was it 72?). I remember him as a great analyst. He had the good ol boy approach, but he was able to really describe the situation in terms *I* could understand. He was the anchor of the NBC broadcasts, and was as good of a NASCAR analyst as anyone.

Answer 8

I'll miss Benny as the loving wise racer. I never got to see him race, but im sure it was great. He was always so nice and sweet and so knowledgable. I as a young fan, really will miss "Queue the Duck." ill always remember BP, he was an amazing person, and will be missed dearly by the NASCAR fans, Drivers, and everyone involved in this sport, but most importantly, his family.
We Love You Benny!

Answer 9

I got to meet B.P. at Lowes for the 1991 winston. I was lucky enough to talk to him for a few minutes. He was tight with the Allisons, and I still am a Davey Allison fan for life.He was known as buffet Benny then because he loved food.He was just as what you saw on t.v. Genuine, and knowledgable.

He is truly a great man.
Benny ....God Bless You!!!

Answer 10

I will miss the Benny and The Pits Segment. Benny was a Great Anouncer and Person. We will miss you Benny!