Richard Petty named Father of the Year

NEW YORK -- NASCAR legend Richard Petty was one of five notable dads honored this week as 2004 Fathers of the Year. Making the honor even more special, Kyle Petty introduced his dad to hundreds of people packing the ballroom of the Sheraton New York Hotel for the 63rd annual National Father's Day Committee's awards luncheon.

"My dad taught us passion and allowed us to choose what we wanted to do. He taught us love for God first and love for family second," Kyle said. "He gave us compassion for the community we live in. And when he was home, he was home; that was important."

In accepting the award from Kyle, Petty pointed to his family -- his wife, three daughters and Kyle -- as the people who "made me father of the year."

Four other dads were also honored: former Piston Isiah Thomas who now serves as president of basketball operations for the NY Knicks; former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, General Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and renowned musician and music educator Ellis Marsalis, father of six sons including jazz notables Wynton and Branford Marsalis.

"Now I can die in peace; I've sat at lunch next to Richard Petty," said NBC anchorman Brian Williams, who was emcee of the event.

WIlliams, a 1996 Father of the Year and lifelong fan of NASCAR, called the seven-time NASCAR champion "one of the coolest individuals the American south has ever produced" and marveled about the King's ability to "pull off the sunglass thing." Williams admitted that he tried wearing sunglasses just like the King. "But I always look like I'm taking a community college class in welding," he joked.

The National Father's Day Committee is a not-for-profit, non-commercial organization that raises funds for philanthropic purposes and presents "Father of the Year" Awards to deserving fathers of high accomplishment in their chosen fields. Proceeds from the event will be donated to The Education Center For Prostate Cancer Patients, a Long Island-based, non-profit organization.

Father of the Year honorees are chosen by the National Father's Day Committee from nominees representing a wide variety of backgrounds and careers who have demonstrated strong adherence to such important human values as family, citizenship, charity, civility, responsibility and reverence.