Concord, NC (Best E Casino) - Former NASCAR Series champion and current broadcaster Benny Parsons died on Tuesday after being hospitalized at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte the day after Christmas.

Parsons has been part of the NBC/TNT broadcast crew since 2001.

In July 2006 Parsons was diagnosed with lung cancer. In October the 65-year- old announced his cancer was in full remission. However, Parsons was unable to attend this year's Nextel Cup Awards Ceremony in New York in late December with more lung problems.

As a driver, Parsons won the 1973 Winston Cup Series championship and two years later won the 1975 Daytona 500. He was chosen as one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers in 1988. He made 526 starts between 1964 and 1988, winning 20 poles, 21 races and collected 283 top-10s.

After retiring as an active driver following the 1988 season, Parsons joined ESPN as an analyst. He won an Ace Award in 1989 and an Emmy award in 1996.

He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1994.