The legendary Richard Petty will be recognized with North Carolina's highest civilian honor this year, Gov. Josh Stein announced Thursday. Petty, a seven-time champion and one of the most dominant drivers in NASCAR's premier series history with 200 career wins, will be honored with the North Carolina Award in November. 

Petty has for decades helped to advance the state’s interests, having had an enormous impact on NASCAR, North Carolina's racing heritage, and community development. 

The seven-time series champion and seven-time Daytona 500 winner began his racing career in 1958, becoming the next big star of NASCAR alongside his father and mentor, Lee. No one in NASCAR history has matched Peterson's achievement of seven wins in the Daytona 500 and the sport's top championship.

“Over the past six decades, the North Carolina Award has been awarded to many remarkable North Carolinians,” Stein said. “Our 2026 recipients represent the best of our state, and it is a privilege to honor these outstanding individuals. I am also honored to focus this year's awards ceremony on supporting active and former servicemembers. 

North Carolina's military and veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting our safety and freedoms, and we will continue doing all we can to support them and their families.” 

Petty continues to receive accolades for his civic engagement. In 1992, Petty was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H.W. Bush; in 2003 he was honored by the Department of Veterans Affairs for his contributions to service members and veterans; and in 2014 he was presented the Good Guy Award by the American Legion for community service contributions. Petty’s family also established Victory Junction, a cost-free summer camp for children with complex medical and physical conditions. 

Victory Junction was created in memory of Richard’s grandson, Adam Petty, who died in a practice accident at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2000.

The other 2026 North Carolina Award recipients include Jason Mott for literature; Lt. Gen. Kevin Vereen and Randy Woodson for public service; Lindsay Zanno for science; and Beverly McIver for fine arts. 

The North Carolina Award, established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1961, recognizes exceptional contributions made to the state and the nation in the areas of fine arts, literature, public service and science. 

Since 1961 more than 300 distinguished men and women have been honored by the state with this award. Among recipients of the award are William Friday, James Taylor, Etta Baker, Maya Angelou, Lee Smith, Eric Church, Selma Burke, and Branford Marsalis. The 2026 North Carolina Award ceremony will be held at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Nov.

Written by

Tanu