Benny Parsons will be inducted into the Motorsports Racing Hall of Fame of America on Thursday August 18, at the State Theatre in Detroit, just five miles from where his racing career started on Six Mile and Woodward in 1960. Joining Parsons among the nine inductees are Indianapolis 500 winner Tom Sneva, and LeMans 24-hour king Hurley Haywood. Also entering the Hall will be drag racer Tommy Ivo, motorcyclist Jay Springsteen, powerboat racer Danny Foster, car owners/builders John Holman and Ralph Moody and 1952 Indy 500 winner Troy Ruttman [Brother of NASCAR driver Joe Ruttman].

“This being in Michigan really gives it added significance, because this is where it all started,” said Parsons “There will be a lot of people in attendance that were on my side since my first race, and that holds special meaning to me.”

Parsons, NASCAR's 1973 points champion, earned 21 wins, 199 Top-5 finishes, and 283 Top-10 finishes in a career that spanned over 20 years (1964, 1969-88). Prior to his move South Benny reigned as ARCA Rookie of the Year in 1965 and as it's Champion in 1968 and 1969 besting the likes of Les Snow, Iggy Katona, Neil "Soapy" Castles, Jack Bowser and Ramo Stott.

I "blame" Benny Parsons (And the local UHF TV station for covering the local dirt track) for my continuing interest in stock car racing. Originally a "1320 freak" and the aforementioned "TV" Tommy Ivo, along with "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, "Dyno Don" Nicholson and the Sox & Martin Plymouths I was quickly coverted when the realization occured that an auto race could last more than a few seconds, and go in circles.

Benny along with Danny Byrd, Art Sommers, Joy Fair and Joe Ruttman were my instructors. My earlist memories are of Benny and Danny Byrd tearing up the local Michigan tracks in, believe it or not, matching Edsels. Benny's adored with #09 and Danny's #08.

Parsons soon went on to run what were then called ARCA "new cars," now the Re/Max Series, the two championships won there vaulted him into NASCAR's spotlight.

Congratulations Benny on your long overdue induction into the Motorsports Racing Hall of Fame of America, and thanks for the memories!

Cross posted at Full Throttle, Hitting the Rumble Strips so you Won't Have to!