Benny ParsonsBenny Parsons

© 2003 Michael Allio

In the Camera - Nikon D1H - 80-200mm f/2.8 lens - Aperture: f/4.5 - Shutter Speed: 1/640 sec. - ISO: 400

Benny Parsons (pictured) was the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Champion in 1973.  By the time the photo was taken Parsons was working in the broadcasting booth for TNT sports.  Prior to his work as a commentator The Professor had run 526 NASCAR sanctioned races and amassed 21 wins over a career that spanned 21 years.  Near the end of his career Parsons raced for Rick Hendrick (1987) as a substitute driver for Tim Richmond when Richmond was no longer physically able to race. Diagnosed in 2006 BP succumbed to lung cancer in 2007.

The photo above is from Bristol Motor Speedway during the fall race of 2003.  This was one of the first events I worked as a professional photographer.