Richard Petty has collected just about every honor the racing world has to offer. His next one will extend well beyond NASCAR.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein announced that Petty will receive the North Carolina Award, the state's highest civilian honor, during a ceremony at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Nov. 17.
Petty is one of six North Carolinians selected for the honor in 2026, but his inclusion comes with another distinction: The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will become the first motorsports figure ever to receive the North Carolina Award.
For a man whose career and life have become almost inseparable from the state's racing identity, it is a fitting piece of history.
Created by the North Carolina General ****** embly in 1961, the North Carolina Award recognizes significant contributions to the state and nation in literature, public service, science and the fine arts.
#award #honor #racing
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein announced that Petty will receive the North Carolina Award, the state's highest civilian honor, during a ceremony at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Nov. 17.
Petty is one of six North Carolinians selected for the honor in 2026, but his inclusion comes with another distinction: The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will become the first motorsports figure ever to receive the North Carolina Award.
For a man whose career and life have become almost inseparable from the state's racing identity, it is a fitting piece of history.
Created by the North Carolina General ****** embly in 1961, the North Carolina Award recognizes significant contributions to the state and nation in literature, public service, science and the fine arts.
#award #honor #racing
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