Founding member of the Racing Wives Auxiliary honored posthumously
DARLINGTON, S.C. -- Lynda Petty, the wife of seven-time NASCAR premier series champion Richard Petty, has been named the recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association's annual Spirit Award for 2014.
Petty, who passed away March 30, 2014, was one of the founding members of the Racing Wives Auxiliary, a charitable organization that provided assistance to those in need within the racing community. Today the group, now known as the Women's Auxiliary of Motorsports, seeks to enrich the lives of women, children and families through various education and wellness programs.
In addition to raising and caring for a family of four, Petty also was active in numerous community and civic endeavors.
The NMPA Spirit Award is designed to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Each year, the NMPA membership selects four quarterly recipients, with an overall winner chosen from among the four candidates at season's end.
Petty was the first quarter recipient of the award for 2014. Other recognized for their efforts were driver Martin Truex Jr. (second quarter), longtime car owner W.C. "Junie" Donlavey (third quarter) and brothers Darrell and Michael Waltrip (fourth quarter).
"The example that Lynda Petty and all of our Spirit Award nominees and recipients have set for us serves as a reminder that it's not what you take from this life that is important, but what you give back," 2014 NMPA President Kenny Bruce said.
"Recognizing the work and contributions of these people is an honor and a privilege the NMPA doesn't take for granted."
The announcement of the award came during the NMPA's annual convention, held Jan. 25 in Concord, North Carolina.
NMPA Spirit Award Winners: 2014, Lynda Petty; 2013, Marcy Scott, Atlanta Motor Speedway; 2012, Andy Hillenburg, Rockingham Speedway; 2011, Jeff Gordon; 2010, Jim Hunter, NASCAR; 2009, David Poole, Charlotte Observer; 2008, T. Taylor Warren; 2007, Bill France Jr.; 2006, Benny Parsons; 2005, Morgan Shepherd; 2004, Kyle and Pattie Petty; 2003, Bob Latford; 2002, Larry Hicks; 2001, Ricky Craven; 2000, Kyle Petty; 1999, Clay Earles; 1998, Mark Martin; 1997, Dave Marcis; 1996, Dale Earnhardt; 1995, Ernie Irvan; 1994, Ernie Irvan; 1993, Davey Allison and Alan Kulwicki; 1992, Davey Allison Family