I still remember the first meeting I had with Benny Parsons. As a new employee and coming from a small market in New Bern, I was amazed I could work at a place with someone as well known as Benny. At that time, Benny came in every Monday to recap the NASCAR event from the weekend. He would also help us with NASCAR sports specials and races at the Charlotte Motor Speedway (as it was known then). I didn’t know what we were paying him, but I couldn’t imagine it was enough.
I mean, come on, he was Benny Parsons and we had him on local TV!!!
As NASCAR exploded in popularity, Benny was a fixture in the television booth. He had the knowledge, the energy, and a love of the sport that came through more clearly than any image a TV camera can capture.
The first time I did a NASCAR recap with Benny – I was terrified. We were going to recap a race that “he” called from the booth. “Whoa… trouble in turn 3!” I know NASCAR fans love their sport, and certainly they would want me to say as little as possible so they could hear from Benny. As it turned out, I asked about two questions and sat back and watched Benny be “Benny”.
However, my nervousness was my issue – because Benny never gave me a reason to be nervous or intimidated. He was a good man with a huge heart and a unique ability to connect with people in such a way that they couldn’t help but like him. He would laugh (what a great laugh) and joke with us like he was just a regular guy. When we would be covering a NASCAR event that he was attending, he would come over to see us like you would for a good friend. You can imagine how good it would make you feel to be covering a NASCAR event and a former champion takes time to help you get the interview you need (or do the interview for you). I make no sort of bold statement that Benny and I were best friends, but as many people will attest; when Benny was with you, he treated you like a best friend.
I remember asking our sports producer, “Why is Benny so loyal to a local TV station when he’s a network broadcaster?” The answer: Benny felt he needed to be loyal to the station that helped give him his start. That’s the kind of guy he was. Benny had long since passed us by with his broadcasting – but never forgot us and was always willing to help. That is the same sort of loyalty he had for NASCAR and the racing fans. It is the reason so many felt so close to this man. The reason so many, like me, felt a connection to him while understanding we were a small part of a very large group that felt the same way. Benny was a loyal man.
Loyal to the sport he loved.
Loyal to the fans he loved.
Loyal to the friends he loved.
Loyal to his devoted wife Terri… God bless you Terri.
I miss “BP”.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to know him.
THANK YOU "BP"