Rick Hendrick, Benny Parsons selected to NASCAR Hall of Fame

Rick Hendrick, NASCAR’s most successful team owner, and Benny Parsons, one of its more beloved figures, headline the newest five-member NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee class announced Wednesday. Also named were Mark Martin, Raymond Parks and Richard Childress during the ceremony at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte, N.C.

Still an active participant, Hendrick has won a NASCAR-best 11 Cup Series championships as a car owner and currently fields teams for Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne. Hendrick’s 242 premier division wins ranks second all-time, trailing Richard Petty Motorsports (formerly Petty Enterprises), which has amassed 287 victories.

Hendricks’ championships came with Johnson winning six, Jeff Gordon four and Terry Labonte one. Labonte was a Hall of Fame inductee this year.

Parsons’ career transcended NASCAR on the track and off, as he was both a championship-winning driver and a popular television analyst for ESPN, NBC and TNT. Behind the wheel, Parsons won the 1973 premier division title, the 1975 Daytona 500 and 21 premier series races overall, and he became the first driver to surpass the 200 mph speed barrier. He died in 2007 at 65.

“This is the biggest honor of Benny’s life,” said Parsons’ widow, Terri. “It summarizes everything he has ever worked toward. Every job he has ever had be it as a race car driver in all divisions, host of a NASCAR radio shows, NASCAR color commentator for TV networks each were just as important to him as the next. He lived his life for NASCAR fans.”

Martin never won a Cup title, but is widely regarded as the best driver not to do so. He finished runner-up five times in the championship standings and recorded 40 victories before retiring in 2013. The 57-year-old heard the news while driving his motorhome to this weekend’s Indianapolis 500.

“I was shocked and honored,” Martin said. “I just figured I’d be lingering around there for a long time because I looked at all the people on the list and there were so many people to the sport that were important to be in the Hall. I certainly didn’t expect it this year.”

Parks is one of NASCAR’s pioneers and became the sport’s first champion car owner. He died in 2010 at 96.

Childress’ career began as an owner-driver before transitioning full-time to the ownership ranks in 1981. He won six championships with driver Dale Earnhardt (1986, ‘87, ‘90, ‘91, ‘93, ‘94) and five additional titles in the Xfinity and Truck Series. He continues to participate in NASCAR’s top two tours, fielding multiple teams in both divisions.

Facing a crossroads due to a lack of sponsorship, Childress chose to forgo driving and sign Earnhardt midway through the 1981 season. Earnhardt, a Hall of Fame inductee in 2010, left Childress’ team at the conclusion of the season before returning in 1984.

“I was really, really honored and proud that day when they put Dale in the first Hall of Fame,” Childress said. “I didn’t really expect to get in. I was told the only way you were going to get in is if you retire or you die. I sure like the first one better, but I haven’t got plans to retire yet either.”

Parsons received the most votes among the 54 ballots cast, collecting 85 percent of the votes, followed by Hendrick (62 percent), Martin (57 percent), Parks (53 percent) and Childress (43 percent). Finishing next behind those inductees were car owner/engine builder Robert Yates, and former premier series driver champions Red Byron (1948, ‘49) and Alan Kulwicki (1992).

H. Clay Earles, the founder of Martinsville Speedway, was named the recipient of the 2017 Landmark Award for contributions to the sport.

The Class of 2017 induction ceremony is Jan. 20, 2017.