Unlike other sports, Nascar can see drivers compete well into their 50’s. While this allows for some pretty cool stories and added fan memories, it also can lend itself to some drivers staying active well past their prime.
With Jimmie Johnson being just the latest driver to announce his retirement from Nascar (effective the end of the 2020 season), I wanted to take a look at drivers who voluntarily retired from the sport to see if they hung on too long or left at just the right time (or maybe even a little too soon). By “voluntary retirement” that means I’m not including anyone who was killed or seriously injured while driving.
Instead of looking at EVERY driver (even though interest in an analysis of Robert Pressley’s latter years could be quite high) I’m limiting it to Hall of Fame inductees—for now.
(Drivers listed in order of their Hall of Fame induction)
NOTE: Those inducted primarily or exclusively for achievements outside of driving (team ownership, crew chiefing, etc.) will not be considered. Cup performance is all that’s considered for this piece. Also, the more modern term “Cup Series” will be used instead of Grand National, Winston Cup, etc.
Benny Parsons
DRIVING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1973 Cup Series champion. 21 Cup Series wins. 1975 Daytona 500 champion.
LAST HURRAH: After several years running a partial schedule for Johnny Hayes and the Jackson Brothers, Parsons signed to drive for Hendrick Motorsports in 1987 as, essentially, a full-season substitute for the ailing Tim Richmond. Although plagued by poor finishes Parsons would notch several top-fives, including three runner-ups, to wind up 16th in points.
FINAL YEAR(S): Parsons moved on to Junie Donlavey’s 90 car for 1988. The steep drop in equipment was reflected in his on-track performance as “BP” failed to notch any top-fives and posted a single top-ten. He would retire from driving at the end of the year to embark on his broadcasting career.
DID HE HANG ON TOO LONG?: Probably not. While his final year was less than impressive, Parsons got what he could out of an underfunded independent team.