Stretch of highway in N.C. to be named for Parsons

CONCORD, N.C. -- Residents of North Carolina's Wilkes County will pay homage to their hometown hero, Benny Parsons, by naming a portion of U.S. Highway 421 in honor of the 1973 NASCAR champion.

The "Benny Parsons Highway" will be unveiled during a dedication ceremony at 11 a.m. ET Thursday. The five-mile stretch of road runs from the Maple Springs community to the Watauga County Line.

"Benny loved his hometown and moving back here meant everything to him. He would be overjoyed by this," said Terri Parsons, Benny's wife.

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley is among those scheduled to participate in the dedication ceremony. The event will take place at Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge Wine Tasting Room and Racing Museum located at 4187 Hwy. 421 in North Wilkesboro, N.C. A reception will follow.

The wine tasting room and museum is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Wines also may be purchased online at www.rendezvousridge.com.

Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge recently earned three bronze medals for its Chardonnay, Merlot and Cab Franc wines during the 2007 Mid Atlantic South Eastern Wine Competition.