On Tuesday, Jan 31st, the Inaugural North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA) banquet honored individuals, businesses and organizations that have significantly contributed to — and have positively impacted — the motorsports industry in the state of North Carolina. Nine achievement awards were presented in seven categories, followed by the NCMA Tribute Award to Benny Parsons. Keith and Kevin Parsons accepted the award in honor of their father’s lifetime achievements and contributions to motorsports. Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue was in attendance, and the Honorable Karen Ray, District 95 state representative, presented the Parsons family with the state’s highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, on behalf of Gov. Mike Easley. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded for dedication and extended length of service to an organization. Finally, Richard Petty and Rick Hendrick, previous Order of the Long Leaf Pine recipients who also comprise the NCMA Board of Trustees, unveiled and presented the Parsons family a collage portrait by artist Jeanne Barnes that truly illustrates Parsons’motorsports career. Executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Motor Racing Network broadcaster, Winston Kelley, served as master of ceremonies.(see the full PR and all the award winners at the NCMA site)(2-4-2007)
