Former NASCAR champion Parsons dies

Benny Parsons, a former taxi driver turned NASCAR champion, died Tuesday from complications due to lung cancer. He was 65.

Parsons, the 1973 NASCAR champion, died in Charlotte, N.C., , his son Keith said. He had been hospitalized there since Dec. 26.

A member of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers, Parsons retired from racing in 1988 and moved into the broadcasting booth. He spent the past six years as a commentator on NBC and TNT, and continued to call races from the booth during his treatment.

"Benny was a beloved and widely respected member of the NASCAR community, and of the NBC Sports family," said Dick Ebersol, chairman of NBC Sports.

"He was a great driver and a terrific broadcaster, but above anything else he was a kind and generous human being. His character and spirit will define how he is remembered by all of us. Benny will be sorely missed."