The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the ‘highest civilian honor’ in the United States of America. It was started by President John F. Kennedy in 1965. And since then, 656 Medals have been given to athletes, musicians, public figures and pioneers. But has anyone from NASCAR ever received one? Yes, two NASCAR legends have. According to the White House [https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/campaign/medal-of-freedom], the Medal of Freedom is awarded to the ‘individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.’ The first recipient from stock car racing is inarguably the greatest driver America has ever seen, The King, Richard Petty. Petty [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/richard-petty/] was awarded the honor by President George H. W. Bush in 1992. He is the most accomplished driver in the history of NASCAR statistically, with seven championship titles and a record 200 wins. Petty is also the owner of a NASCAR team, Richard Petty Racing. NASCAR legend Richard Petty [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200905140038/Richard-Petty-NASCAR.jpg] The other NASCAR driver to have won the Medal of Freedom is Roger Penske. Penske was given the honor by President Donald Trump in 2020. The Captain had a moderately successful career as a racing driver in which he raced in NASCAR and Formula 1. But it is his career as a team owner which has earned him this status. Penske has teams in NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Indycar. OTHER ATHLETES OTHER THAN NASCAR TO HAVE WON THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM In 2016, Michael Jordan was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Jordan is considered by many as not just the greatest NBA player of all time, but the greatest athlete. Interestingly, Jordan [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/michael-jordan/] could qualify as a Medal of Honor recipient from NASCAR. Because he is the co-owner of the 23XI Racing Team along with driver Denny Hamlin. But since he received it in 2016, he may not qualify as a NASCAR personality to have the prestigious award. The other all-time great who has received this honor is Tiger Woods. The greatest golf player was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2019 by President Donald Trump. Some other athletes who have won the Presidential Medal of Honour are Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Babe Ruth, Billie Jean King, Bob Hope, among others. Which NASCAR legend do you think should win the honor next? Let us know in the comments below. Also Read: Joe Gibbs Racing Driver Drops a Major James Bond Spoiler for his Fans [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-joe-gibbs-racing-driver-drops-a-major-james-bond-spoiler-for-his-fans/] 

Has a NASCAR driver ever received the highest civilian award, the Presidential
Medal of Honor? Read to find out.

Shaharyar is a Formula 1 & NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports. A graduate in
Journalism from Amity University, he has been a passionate follower of
motorsports for better part of the decade. A Max Verstappen and Ferrari
supporter, he dreams of a pairing of the two in future. While his favourite
track is Monza, his favourite F1 car is the MP4/4. He enjoys watching football
when the engines are off. Along with being an author, he is also a filmmaker who
believes in the power of storytelling and taking a walk.

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/afc0a65575e79c2dd4b2b19a4e61e9d8?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Shaharyar

YouTube video player

iframe

strong

Has Anybody From NASCAR Ever Received the Prestigious Presidential Medal of
Freedom?

Tony Stewart’s Wife Leah Pruett Pens a Heartfelt Message for Husband After His
Unwavering Support for His Family

“We Are Not Morning People”- Travel Woes Hit Home for Kyle Busch & Wife Samantha
Leaving Son Brexton Grinning

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Offers a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to His Loyal Fanbase
as He Gears Up for His Return With Budweiser

JRM Prodigy & Kelley Earnhardt’s Son Earn Major Backing as Dale Jr.’s Loyal
Partners Announce 2025 Return

Rick Hendrick’s Alliance Rumored to Save Chevy Prodigy Who Crashed Kyle Busch’s
Party

NASCAR

NASCAR Archives

NASCAR Archives - EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/es_circle_black_logo.png

title

Has a NASCAR driver ever received the highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Honor? Read to find out.

description

link

Has Anybody From NASCAR Ever Received the Prestigious Presidential Medal of Honor?

https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-has-anybody-from-nascar-ever-received-the-prestigious-presidential-medal-of-honour-who-are-they/

https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/07-July_MedalofFreedom1.jpg

twitter:card

twitter:creator

twitter:site

twitter:label1

twitter:data1

script

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Archives

Michael Jordan Archives - EssentiallySports

OffTopic

OffTopic Archives

OffTopic Archives - EssentiallySports

[caption id="attachment_455676" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-455676" src="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-98415316.jpg" alt="Richard Petty during the 1987 Daytona 500 race" width="1920" height="1296" /> DAYTONA BEACH, FL: Nascar driver Richard Petty in this portrait sitting next to the STP #43 car before the Nascar Winston Cup Daytona 500 race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, FL. Petty finished 3rd in the race. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2>Richard Petty: 2021 Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsement</h2>
Richard Petty is an ex NASCAR driver and team owner. He raced particularly in the Stock/Grand National Era and the NASCAR Cup Series.

After his 1955 graduation, he went for a business course at Greensboro Junior College but later started working for his dad's racing organization, Petty Enterprises.
<h2>Richard Petty: Stats and Championships</h2>
He started his NASCAR vocation on July 18, 1958 just 16 days after his 21st birthday.

His first race was held at CNE Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In 1959, he was named NASCAR Rookie of the Year, after he finished 9 times in the top 10 and six Top 5 completions.

He is most notable for winning the NASCAR Championship 7 times. He won a record 200 races during his vocation, winning the Daytona 500 a record multiple times, and winning a record 27 races (ten of them continuously) in the 1967 season alone.

Factually, he is the most refined driver throughout the entire existence of the sport and is one of the most regarded figures in motorsports in general. He likewise gathered a record number of poles (127) and more than 700 top-ten completions in his 1,184 beginnings.
<h2>Richard Petty: 2021 Net Worth</h2>
According to <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/race-car-drivers/richard-petty-net-worth/">Celebrity Net Worth</a>, he has a net worth of $65 million dollars.

Petty was the 1st driver to win in his 500th race start. He was inducted into the Hall in 2010.
<h2>Richard Petty: Foundation</h2>
The establishment accomplices with other non-profit associations that will bring about a long term impact in the networks and zones of core interest. The <a href="https://www.pettyfamilyfoundation.org/about">Petty Family Foundation</a> has chipped away at a no. of causes a year ago. The center is basically, yet not restricted to, helps veterans and kids.
<h2>Richard Petty: Lifestyle</h2>
Richard Petty possesses a dream ranch in Wyoming. He bought it in 1992. It is a 90-acre section of the land with cold slopes in the colder time of year and delightful green grasses in the late spring.

The <a href="https://www.richardpettymuseum.com/">Petty Museum</a> is devoted to the Petty family's NASCAR inheritance. The museum is situated on Branson Mill Rd., in the family's old neighborhood of Level Cross, North Carolina.

The exhibition hall was set up in 1998 so as to exhibit the life and profession of Richard Petty and incorporates things from the family's own assortments. Among the vintage vehicles is a Plymouth Superbird.

He claims an exceptionally painted Westwind 1. It includes his logo just as the number N43RP, with the two letters for his name. The jet, delivered by Israel Aircraft Industries, can carry 10 travelers.
<h2>Quick Facts</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="301">Age</td>
<td width="301">83 Years</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Residence</td>
<td width="301">North Carolina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Nationality</td>
<td width="301">American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Team</td>
<td width="301">Petty Enterprises</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Championships</td>
<td width="301">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Net Worth</td>
<td width="301">$65 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Birthday</td>
<td width="301">July 2, 1937</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Richard Petty

DAYTONA BEACH, FL: Nascar driver Richard Petty in this portrait sitting next to the STP #43 car before the Nascar Winston Cup Daytona 500 race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, FL. Petty finished 3rd in the race. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) Richard Petty: 2021 Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsement Richard Petty is an ex NASCAR driver and team owner. He raced particularly in the Stock/Grand National Era and the NASCAR Cup Series. After his 1955 graduation, he went for a business course at Greensboro Junior College but later started working for his dad&#8217;s racing organization, Petty Enterprises. Richard Petty: Stats and Championships He started his NASCAR vocation on July 18, 1958 just 16 days after his 21st birthday. His first race was held at CNE Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In 1959, he was named NASCAR Rookie of the Year, after he finished 9 times in the top 10 and six Top 5 completions. He is most notable for winning the NASCAR Championship 7 times. He won a record 200 races during his vocation, winning the Daytona 500 a record multiple times, and winning a record 27 races (ten of them continuously) in the 1967 season alone. Factually, he is the most refined driver throughout the entire existence of the sport and is one of the most regarded figures in motorsports in general. He likewise gathered a record number of poles (127) and more than 700 top-ten completions in his 1,184 beginnings. Richard Petty: 2021 Net Worth According to Celebrity Net Worth, he has a net worth of $65 million dollars. Petty was the 1st driver to win in his 500th race start. He was inducted into the Hall in 2010. Richard Petty: Foundation The establishment accomplices with other non-profit associations that will bring about a long term impact in the networks and zones of core interest. The Petty Family Foundation has chipped away at a no. of causes a year ago. The center is basically, yet not restricted to, helps veterans and kids. Richard Petty: Lifestyle Richard Petty possesses a dream ranch in Wyoming. He bought it in 1992. It is a 90-acre section of the land with cold slopes in the colder time of year and delightful green grasses in the late spring. The Petty Museum is devoted to the Petty family&#8217;s NASCAR inheritance. The museum is situated on Branson Mill Rd., in the family&#8217;s old neighborhood of Level Cross, North Carolina. The exhibition hall was set up in 1998 so as to exhibit the life and profession of Richard Petty and incorporates things from the family&#8217;s own assortments. Among the vintage vehicles is a Plymouth Superbird. He claims an exceptionally painted Westwind 1. It includes his logo just as the number N43RP, with the two letters for his name. The jet, delivered by Israel Aircraft Industries, can carry 10 travelers. Quick Facts  Age 83 Years  Residence North Carolina  Nationality American  Team Petty Enterprises  Championships 7  Net Worth $65 Million  Birthday July 2, 1937

Richard Petty Archives

Richard Petty Archives - EssentiallySports

[caption id="attachment_447405" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-447405" src="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2020-10-25T200050Z_1688932773_MT1USATODAY15113454_RTRMADP_3_INDYCAR-FIRESTONE-GRAND-PRIX-OF-ST-PETERSBURG.jpg" alt="Roger Penske" width="1920" height="1281" /> Oct 25, 2020; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Team owner Roger Penske walks toward the cars before the Firestone Grand Prix race on the Streets of St. Petersburg. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2>Roger Penske: 2021 Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsement</h2>
Roger Penske is an American entrepreneur and business person associated with racing and an ex-racer. He is generally acclaimed for his responsibility for Penske, DJR Team Penske, the Penske Corporation, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar, and other car-related organizations.

Subsequent to resigning from driving a couple of years, he made one of the best groups in the IndyCar Series and NASCAR series. He is the most successful owner in the Indianapolis 500. He has won 18 races.

By 1960, he was a notable race vehicle driver (Sports Illustrated SCCA Driver of the Year). He contended in two Formula One Grands Prix and won a NASCAR Pacific Coast Late Model race at Riverside in 1963. He never ran the Indianapolis 500, although, he was offered a freshman test at Indianapolis, yet turned it down for business reasons as Mario Andretti stepped in for Penske.

Penske raced until 1965, when he resigned as a driver, to focus on his first Chevrolet business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
<h2>Roger Penske: 2021 Net Worth</h2>
As indicated by <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/roger-penske/?sh=271252357d90">Forbes</a>, he has a net worth of $1.9 billion dollars.

Penske's first endeavor was in hillclimbing, then he ran street course racing in Porsches. Penske made his first start at the now-relinquished Marlboro Motor Raceway in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
<h2>Roger Penske: Foundation</h2>
Penske Foundation Inc. gladly contributes every year to help the Roger Penske Outstanding Student merit grant which perceives a student who has dominated all through his/her schooling and life, showing steadiness, coarseness, pull-oneself-up by the difficult work, brilliant evaluations and participation, cooperation, authority and administration to other people.
<h2>Roger Penske: Lifestyle</h2>
Roger Penske's huge vehicle assortment is concealed away in a mystery area. Indianapolis 500-winning vehicles, pace vehicles from those years, his title-winning NASCAR stock vehicles, and a portion of his own assortment sports vehicles are in plain view.

The assortment at the Penske Restoration building incorporates dominating race vehicles from the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR races, race motors, and his own games vehicle and memorabilia assortment.

He has an assortment of the late 1980s to mid-1990s Indy Car motors that are stacked from floor to roof.

Penske maintains his business domain and race groups with the assistance of an armada of seven corporate planes. He utilizes two of the planes consistently. He claims a Gulfstream G550.
<h2>Quick Facts</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="301">Age</td>
<td width="301">83 Years</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Residence</td>
<td width="301">Michigan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Nationality</td>
<td width="301">American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Team</td>
<td width="301">Team Penske</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Championships</td>
<td width="301">4 – As Team Owner</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Net Worth</td>
<td width="301">$1.9 Billion</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="301">Birthday</td>
<td width="301">February 20, 1937</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Roger Penske

Oct 25, 2020; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Team owner Roger Penske walks toward the cars before the Firestone Grand Prix race on the Streets of St. Petersburg. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports Roger Penske: 2021 Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsement Roger Penske is an American entrepreneur and business person associated with racing and an ex-racer. He is generally acclaimed for his responsibility for Penske, DJR Team Penske, the Penske Corporation, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar, and other car-related organizations. Subsequent to resigning from driving a couple of years, he made one of the best groups in the IndyCar Series and NASCAR series. He is the most successful owner in the Indianapolis 500. He has won 18 races. By 1960, he was a notable race vehicle driver (Sports Illustrated SCCA Driver of the Year). He contended in two Formula One Grands Prix and won a NASCAR Pacific Coast Late Model race at Riverside in 1963. He never ran the Indianapolis 500, although, he was offered a freshman test at Indianapolis, yet turned it down for business reasons as Mario Andretti stepped in for Penske. Penske raced until 1965, when he resigned as a driver, to focus on his first Chevrolet business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Roger Penske: 2021 Net Worth As indicated by Forbes, he has a net worth of $1.9 billion dollars. Penske&#8217;s first endeavor was in hillclimbing, then he ran street course racing in Porsches. Penske made his first start at the now-relinquished Marlboro Motor Raceway in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Roger Penske: Foundation Penske Foundation Inc. gladly contributes every year to help the Roger Penske Outstanding Student merit grant which perceives a student who has dominated all through his/her schooling and life, showing steadiness, coarseness, pull-oneself-up by the difficult work, brilliant evaluations and participation, cooperation, authority and administration to other people. Roger Penske: Lifestyle Roger Penske&#8217;s huge vehicle assortment is concealed away in a mystery area. Indianapolis 500-winning vehicles, pace vehicles from those years, his title-winning NASCAR stock vehicles, and a portion of his own assortment sports vehicles are in plain view. The assortment at the Penske Restoration building incorporates dominating race vehicles from the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR races, race motors, and his own games vehicle and memorabilia assortment. He has an assortment of the late 1980s to mid-1990s Indy Car motors that are stacked from floor to roof. Penske maintains his business domain and race groups with the assistance of an armada of seven corporate planes. He utilizes two of the planes consistently. He claims a Gulfstream G550. Quick Facts  Age 83 Years  Residence Michigan  Nationality American  Team Team Penske  Championships 4 – As Team Owner  Net Worth $1.9 Billion  Birthday February 20, 1937

Has Anybody From NASCAR Ever Received the Prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom?

Other athletes other than NASCAR to have won the Presidential Medal of Freedom