Michigan loses another great...

Benny Parsons, without doubt, the finest NASCAR driver ever from the State of Michigan died today at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte following complications from lung disease. He was 65.

The former self-proclaimed Detroit taxi driver-turned-NASCAR racer never forgot his humble rural North Carolina roots, and it came through in every aspect of his life.

One of his more famous quotes: "I heard someone say this one time and I thought it was fabulous," Parsons said. "Everyone can't be stars. Someone has to sit on the sidewalk and clap as they go by.

Parsons' racing career came somewhat by accident. When his parents moved north to Detroit following World War II, Parsons helped work at his father's service station.

One evening in 1963, a truck towing a racecar stopped at the station for fuel. Parsons was invited to join them and hopped into the bed of the pickup on the way to nearby Mount Clemens Speedway. According to the story, when the regular driver failed to show up, Parsons volunteered to drive.

You can read his full biography at NASCAR.com

Parsons made his first visit to Daytona that same year and it started an illustrious career:

* Started racing in 1963 at Mt. Clemens Speedway

* AUTOMOBILE RACING CLUB OF AMERICA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR in 1965 (ARCA)

* ARCA Champion 1968 and 1969

* First ARCA Champion inducted into The International Sports Hall of Fame

* Joined NASCAR in 1970

* First Winston Cup victory was at South Boston Virginia Speedway in 1971

* Winston Cup Champion in 1973

* Winner of Daytona 500 in 1975

* First person to every qualify a stock car over 200mph record holder

* Retired from competition immediately following the 1988 season

* Joined ESPN as a RACE ANALYST in 1989

* ACE AWARD winner

* Host of nationally syndicated radio show on Performance Racing Network called "FAST TALK WITH BENNY PARSONS"

* Inducted into The International Motor Sports Hall of Fame in December of 1994

* 1996 ESPN Emmy Award Winner

* 1998 named one of the 50 Greatest Drivers in NASCAR History

* Announcer and Color Commentator for NASCAR on NBC & TNT

* 21 Victories

* "Out of 526 NASCAR events, Benny finished in the Top 10 283 times and in the Top 5 199 times, making him one of the most consistent drivers in recent history."

* Inducted into The Motor Sports Hall of Fame of America August 2006

From Benny Parson's own blog... His final entry on Dec 21st, 2006: