Stretch of North Carolina Highway Named After Benny Parsons

Parson died from lung cancer on Jan. 16.

Photo courtsey: motorsportshalloffame.com

CONCORD, N.C. - Residents of North Carolina's Wilkes County will payed homage to their hometown hero, Benny Parsons, by naming a portion of U.S. Highway 421 in honor of the 1973 NASCAR champion.

The "Benny Parsons Highway" was unveiled today during a dedication ceremony. The five-mile stretch of road runs from the Maple Springs community to the Watauga County Line.

"Benny loved his hometown and moving back here meant everything to him. He would be overjoyed by this," said Terri Parsons, Benny's wife.

Parsons was last a NASCAR announcer/analyst on NBC and TNT.

He became famous as the 1973 NASCAR Winston Cup (now NEXTEL Cup) champion.

He was nicknamed The Professor in part because of his popular remarks and relaxed demeanor.

In July 2006, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

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