NASCAR Cup Series

Flashback Friday: Benny Parsons wins at North Wilkesboro in 1979

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:20 p.m. ET

Tom Jensen

The late Benny Parsons was one of NASCAR’s greatest ambassadors, both as a driver and, after he retired from competition, as a broadcaster.

An immensely popular driver, Parsons was a long-time fan favorite.

October was a big month for Parsons, who once drove taxis in Detroit for a living and went on to win the NASCAR Premier Series championship in 1973.

On Oct. 9, 1977, Parsons won the NAPA National 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he held off Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, Buddy Baker and Darrell Waltrip for the victory.

Two years later, on Oct.14, 1979, Parsons won the Holly Farms 400 at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway. The guys Parson beat on that day were pretty formidable, too: Bobby Allison finished second ahead of Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Ricky Rudd and Terry Labonte.

If you’re keeping score at home, seven of the nine drivers listed above are already in the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the other two probably will be someday. And Parsons will be joining them when he will be posthumously inducted into the 2017 Hall class next January, a well-deserved honor.

39 years ago today, Benny Parsons won the 1977 NAPA National 500 @ Charlotte, NASCAR Winston Cup Race #1,219. pic.twitter.com/LTB2s3jyC5
— Andrew (@Basso488) October 9, 2016

37 years ago today, Benny Parsons won the 1979 Holly Farms 400 @ North Wilkesboro, NASCAR Winston Cup. pic.twitter.com/8LBk8byE41
— Andrew (@Basso488) October 14, 2016