CONCORD, N.C. — On Sunday morning at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Andy Petree was awarded the 2022 Smokey Yunick Award.
As a man who grew from humble beginnings in the motorsports industry, to now being Vice President of Competition at Richard Childress Racing, Petree has earned his place as an award recipient.
“I worked for years and years just to stay in that garage and stay part of this, because it means so much to me,” Petree said. “Just to have Smokey Yunick and my name on the same plaque is very special.”
Yunick was renowned for his innovations, creativity and hard work in the NASCAR garage before his passing in 2001. He introduced the award in 1997 to recognize hardworking individuals who forged their way from small beginnings to make an impact on the motorsports industry.
Rick Hendrick, Ray Evernham, Richard Childress and Jeff Hammond have all been previous recipients of the award.
“We’re paying honor to one of the legends who laid ground for the rest of us today,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Petree has become a legend in his own right throughout his lengthy history in NASCAR.
He has formed several moderately successful race teams — one of them being Andy Petree Racing — and has worked as a crew member for several stars of the sport — including Dale Earnhardt and Darrell Waltrip.
Petree remains grateful for the sport and is looking forward to the remaining season with Richard Childress Racing.