Kyle Petty, the driver of the #44 Hot Wheels Pontiac out of Petty Enterprises on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, has bee named the NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated Person of the Year. The award, given annually by NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated, is given in recognition of acheivement, sportsmanship and contributions to charity and community. Petty, an eight(not five)-time winner on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, has conducted his Charity Ride Across America for five consecutive years. The ride is a group motorcycle trip across the country that raises money for various charities, among them the NASCAR Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary. The WCRWA, among its other functions, establishes a fund that assists NASCAR competitors and their families in cases of deblitating injury. Over the years, the ride has earned thousands of dollars for selected charities. Additionally, the charity ride visits childrens hospitals and other sites across the country, promoting good will. Over the past few seasons, Petty has established a food bank drive to assist in feeding the hungry. Donation stations have been established a selected speedways, among them Lowes Motor Speedway, North Carolina Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway, at which fans can donate unpershiable foods and goods in return for discounts at Pettys Hot Wheels souvenir trailers. Petty was presented a handsome NWCI Person of the Year trophy and an enlarged copy of the December cover of NWCI, in which he is featured. The NWCI Person of the Year Award is determined by a vote of NASCAR fans, a special panel of competitors and members of the NWCI staff. The first award, in 1997, was presented to Jeff Gordon and Darrell Waltrip. Last years winner was Ray Evernham( Winston Cup Illustrated )
