Racer Jeff Gordon Receives N. Carolinas Highest Award

06/19/96

NASCAR Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon was awarded the Long Leaf Pine award from North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt on May 20 at the Governors mansion in Raleigh. The award is given to recognize outstanding North Carolina citizens. In his rookie year Jeff won "Rookie of the Year" honors, and in his sophomore year he captured the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte and the Brickyard 400 at Indy. He has been active in charitable work, notably the Make a Wish Foundation. He also spends time visiting children's hospitals and doing anti-smoking commercials.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel