[NASCAR14FAN]

From Press Release
July 26, 2006
11:50 AM EDT (15:50 GMT)

CONCORD, N.C. -- Benny Parsons is all about winning. He's the 1973 NASCAR champion; a Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 winner; and, in recent years, has emerged as one of NASCAR's leading television and radio commentators.

Now, Parsons is calling upon that winning attitude as he battles lung cancer.

Parsons, 65, had experienced difficulty breathing and, after consulting with physicians, was informed by his family doctor, Dr. Scott Moss of Charlotte, that he has the disease. His treatment regimen starts immediately.

"Needless to say this was a huge shock," Parsons said. "I've got a great deal of faith in all of my physicians, including Dr. Steven Limenpani, who treated NASCAR car owner Rick Hendrick during his battle with leukemia. I'm determined to pull through this and I appreciate everyone's concerns and prayers during this time.

"The first thing everyone asks me is, 'are you a smoker?' The answer is that I smoked my last cigarette way back in 1978 and since then I've hated being around smoking. I don't even allow anyone in my foursome to smoke on the golf course."

Parsons is an analyst on NBC and TNT's coverage of Nextel Cup racing and hosts Fast Talk with Benny Parsons on the Performance Racing Network. He plans to continue his duties with NBC/TNT and PRN throughout his treatment.

"Everyone I work with has been gracious and accommodating," said Parsons. "I plan to keep on talking about racing for as long as I can."

NBC/TNT also issued a statement supporting Parsons in his efforts to overcome the disease.

"Benny is an important part of our television families. We respect his privacy and will support him in any way we can in his efforts to get well."

Parsons said he plans to work the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Aug. 6.