DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Tuesday evening, during the induction ceremony for the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Daytona Beach, NASCAR champion Tony Stewart charmed a room full of auto racing’s biggest names and most ardent supporters, demonstrating that his massive talent behind the wheel is matched by an equally endearing personality.
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Milestone 30th Annual Ceremony on March 13 at Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach
Aviation, Drag Racing, Motorcycle, Open-Wheel, Sports Car and Stock Car Disciplines Represented
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 5, 2018) – An illustrious seven-man list representing six motorsports disciplines and one iconic racing facility comprise a most unique class of 2018 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) inductees announced today at Daytona International Speedway. Continue reading
1973: Benny Parsons inside his L. G. DeWitt-owned Chevrolet at a NASCAR Cup race. Parsons finished in the top-ten in 21 of 28 races and won the Volunteer 500 at the Bristol (TN) Motor Speedway on his way to winning the NASCAR Cup championship.
Photo by ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images
A single word defined the late Benny Parsons: Beloved.
It mattered not whether you were fellow competitor, race fan or television viewer. Parsons was more than just a top premier series driver or broadcaster.
To race with him – or just to meet him – Parsons had the aura of being the best friend you wished you had.
Parsons became the NASCAR premier series champion in 1973. He won 21 times, a resume that included the 1975 Daytona 500.
“Benny didn’t win a lot of races – some thought he wasn’t ruthless enough – but few drivers won more friends and fans,” wrote Larry Woody in a 2014 Racin’ Today story.
“Ten minutes and you bonded with him,” said Rick Hendrick, whose Chevrolets Parsons drove in 1987.
Parsons, who died in 2007 at age 65, will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday (8 p.m. ET on NBCSN). His fellow inductees among the Class of 2017 include Hendrick, Richard Childress, Mark Martin and Raymond Parks. Continue reading
Team owner Jack Roush (L) and Mark Martin, driver of the #6 Viagra Ford, celebrate winning the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Banquet 400 on October 9, 2005 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. Photo – Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images
To the surprise of no one, Mark Martin continued to win races at the highest level well past an age when most competitors have hung up their helmets.
With five victories past the age of 50, Martin also came within one standings position of winning the 2009 premier series championship.
The phrase ‘age is just a number’ may be cliché – but it certainly applied to the diminutive Martin, whose fitness regimen of heavy weight lifting and healthy eating became legend and ultimately sent his fellow competitors flocking to gyms and nutritionists.
In short, Martin lived his life like a man half his age – and drove like it as well.
“I told the guys I don’t have any problem keeping up with a 25-year-old,” he told The Associated Press in April 2009 after becoming the third-oldest winner in NASCAR premier series history at Phoenix International Raceway. “I feel really good.”
Only one driver – Harry Gant – won more races after his 50th birthday. Martin polished off a 40-victory resume during a magical year driving for Hendrick Motorsports in 2009, adding to his 35 wins at Roush Fenway Raceway. That’s the most wins by a competitor without a series championship. Continue reading
28th Annual Induction Ceremony Presented By Bridgestone Makes Daytona Beach Debut
The Shores Resort & Spa To Host Milestone Event
Tuesday Heroes Of Horsepower Reception In Hall’s Home At Daytona International Speedway
Wednesday Inductee Lunch Hosted By Toyota At Speedway’s Stadium Toyota Injector
Hall Opens To Public On Sunday, As Part of Speedway’s Fan Tours
A monumental week for the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) is on tap, highlighted by Wednesday night’s 28th Annual MSHFA Induction Ceremony Presented by Bridgestone at The Shores Resort & Spa. Continue reading