DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The second day of NASCAR’s Preseason Thunder test session at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway began on a sad note with word that beloved NASCAR champion and broadcaster Benny Parsons had died of lung cancer at the age of 65.

Parsons’ life and legacy had a significant impact on Michael Waltrip, driver of the No. 55 NAPA AUTO PARTS TOYOTA Camry. As a result, Waltrip wanted his No. 55A NAPA car in Daytona to carry the message “We love you B.P” as a tribute to his longtime friend.

“Benny was a good man,” said Waltrip after hearing the news of Parsons’ death. “He went out there and won the championship back in the ‘70s. He was fortunate enough to win this great race (Daytona 500). I was in Atlanta in 1984 when he won there. I followed Benny his whole career as a fan. Then to have him move into the T.V. booth to do that type of work, he really added a lot to the coverage. Benny helped turn this sport from a nuts and bolts sport into a human sport. He really relayed that well. He was the guy that always stressed that people made the difference in our sport, not the cars.

“He was in Victory Lane in Bristol when I won and during the celebration, I asked Buffy to marry me. I always told Benny I wasn’t sure I was comfortable doing it but because he was there, I was able to. So that kind of tells you how drivers feel about Benny.”

Throughout the day, drivers participating in the test session took time to sign the No. 55 NAPA AUTO PARTS TOYOTA Camry as a salute to the man who helped tell the NASCAR story to the masses.

Meanwhile, the morning session saw Waltrip and his NAPA crew work on different gear packages. Chassis 55A turned the 27th fastest lap (49.232 seconds/182.808 mph), while Waltrip posted the 39th fastest lap (49.411 seconds/182.146 mph) in the 55B NAPA AUTO PARTS TOYOTA Camry. Quickest in the session was Juan Pablo Montoya, followed by David Stremme, David Gilliland, Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth.

“We are right in the middle of the speed charts,” explained Waltrip. “If I was guaranteed a starting position in the Daytona 500, I would take part in the drafting session, but that is not the case. I want to work and work and work on my car to make it fast enough to get in on time so I don’t have to worry about it. We just keep doing all we can do.”

In the afternoon session, NASCAR permitted the teams to draft, but Waltrip opted to continue working on solo runs. The NAPA team again ran both cars, with the 55A recording a solo lap of 183.016 mph (49.176 seconds) to place Waltrip 45th on the speed chart. Chassis 55B was 52nd quickest with a speed of 182.578 mph (49.294 seconds). Quickest in the session while turning times while running in the draft was Ryan Newman. He was followed by David Ragan, Kurt Busch, Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth.

Tonight Waltrip will participate in the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at 6 p.m. ET. in the Fan Zone at Daytona International Speedway. Joining the NAPA driver for the 45-minute session will be drivers Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Juan Pablo Montoya, David Reutimann, Regan Smith and David Stremme.

For a complete rundown of today’s Preseason Thunder practice times:
Morning Practice Times | Afternoon Practice Times

Tomorrow marks the final day of NASCAR Preseason Thunder testing. The first practice kicks off at 9 a.m. ET with single-car runs. Then at 1 p.m., teams will participate in a drafting session.