Quote :

"Seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Richard Petty was named North Carolinian of the Year on Thursday, joining Billy Graham, Dean Smith and others in receiving the honor from the North Carolina Press Association. "I really appreciate this honor. I'm in there with a bunch of heavy hitters. Those are people North Carolina can be proud of," Petty said. The award started in 1993 and is given to North Carolinians who bring honor and recognition to the state. Besides [Billy] Graham and [Dean] Smith, past winners also include Elizabeth Dole, now a senator, banjo-picker Earl Scruggs and Meadowlark Lemon of Harlem Globetrotters fame."

http://wral.com/news/state/story/1640034/

I've got mixed feelings about this. I mean, Richard Petty is the man, but at the same time there are probably nobodies out there from North Carolina doing great things daily for less recognition and money. Still, long live the King.

7/27/2007 2:59:51 PM

This isn't an award for nobodies, though. There's probably an NC Humanitarian of the Year or something along those lines for nobodies.

7/27/2007 3:08:02 PM

Yeah, I don't disagree, and I'm kinda proud of North Carolina for nominating a guy who lost the election for Secretary of State because he rubbed a guy on the highway.

I'm sure there are a lot of Nouveau Carolinians aghast at this one.

7/27/2007 3:10:29 PM

of the year? what all did richard petty do last year?

7/27/2007 3:32:54 PM

Kyle Petty would be a better choice, simply for his charity work.

7/27/2007 4:05:11 PM

Quote :

"past winners also include Elizabeth Dole"

Shouldn't they limit this award to North Carolinians?

7/27/2007 4:09:54 PM

Wow, sports figures and mediocre politicians. That's a sad list if it's supposed to show who's honorable in NC. No wonder this state doesn't have anything other than the first flight to be proud of.

7/27/2007 4:28:47 PM

have Jim Goodnight or Dennis Gillings been atleast nominated for this yet?

7/27/2007 4:47:59 PM

I'm all about Richard Petty... I just don't quite understand the timing or context of this. I'd be more in favor of a lifetime achievement award or something.

7/27/2007 5:36:58 PM