Benson to be with his Dad: #10 Valvoline Pontiac driver Johnny Benson isnt going to arrive at Richmond until early Friday morning. Instead of going to the track on Thursday as he does most weekends on the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit, Benson will make a whirlwind visit to his hometown of Grand Rapids where he will watch his father John Bensons induction into the 45-member Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday night. Benson plans to fly to Richmond on Friday when practice and qualifying begin for Saturday nights 400-lap race. The elder Benson enjoyed a long racing career and posted more than 75 victories including 1966 National Supermodified Championship in Oswego, N.Y. – the “crown jewel” of the modified series at the time. He also started and continues to operate Benson Speed Equipment in Grand Rapids. Benson ran only one Winston Cup race ( at Michigan Intl Speedway on June 24, 1973, started 36th finished 21st in the #84 Dodge) in his career preferring local racing that didnt involve the travel commitments or time away from the family. Today the 64-year old Benson works in his race shop during the week and spends weekend watching his son race in NASCAR. Joining Benson in the 2001 class include two-time world boxing champion Roger Mayweather, former baseball pitcher Dave Rozema plus three other local sports figures.(MBV PR)(9-5-2001) (9-4-2001)
