NASCAR Icon Richard Childress Set for Prestigious Philanthropy Honor in April

Richard Childress recently made headlines when leaked messages surfaced during the antitrust lawsuit, exposing former NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps directing derogatory remarks toward the veteran team owner. Once NASCAR hammered out settlement terms with teams over the charter agreement, Phelps faced pressure to step down from his post as fans and sponsors recoiled at his comments targeting Childress.

And while Phelps may have failed to grasp Childress’s importance, the Horatio Alger Association clearly recognizes his stature. The association has decided to bestow the Horatio Alger Award upon Childress and grant him lifetime membership within the organization.

The distinction honors individuals who have scaled great heights despite several challenges, exhibit steadfast dedication to higher education and charitable endeavors, and personify the American Dream. Childress stands alongside ten other leaders from across the nation in the 2026 class of recipients.

Beyond recognition, membership in the Horatio Alger Association, the honorees serve as role models for the next generation of leaders and commit to supporting students who seek to overcome difficult circumstances through education.

Racing courses through Childress’s veins, and his fervor helped construct an operation employing no fewer than 400 people today. But alongside his professional achievements, Childress and his wife, Judy, have built a reputation for generosity extending well beyond the racetrack.

Their most prominent philanthropic effort is their partnership with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, which resulted in the creation of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma.

 

The Institute has grown into a nationwide crusade devoted to preventing childhood trauma and life-threatening injury, the leading killer of children in America. The Institute bankrolls research, education, and advocacy to enhance care and treatment that injured youngsters receive throughout the country.

Knowing the career trajectory of Childress, Marcia G Taylor, President and CEO of Bennett International Group LLC, nominated Childress for the accolade after receiving the Horatio Alger Award herself in 2017. Through the alliance between Richard Childress Racing and Bennett Transportation, Taylor witnessed firsthand what positioned Childress as an ideal candidate for the distinguished honor.

While numerous distinguished figures have claimed the Horatio Alger Award over the years, NASCAR has seen just one other representative, besides Childress, join this elite circle: Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick, who earned the distinction in 2006. Now all that remains for the famed team owner is to set his ship straight in the Cup Series as Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon try to break free of the slump the team has been experiencing of late.

It remains to be seen if 2026 is their year, with the Clash at Bowman Gray just around the corner to fire up expectations for the regular season opener at Daytona.