INDIANAPOLIS–The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the nation’s highest civilian awards. President Trump announced Thursday he will grant that honor to Indycar team owner Roger Penske.

It honors civilians who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

“Roger Penske is a great gentlemen who was won 18 Indianapolis 500s. He’s won at Daytona, at Indianapolis, he’s won probably more than anybody in the history of racing,” Trump said.

Penske will become the second person involved in auto racing to receive the medal. Richard Petty was the other one in 1992.

The 82-year-old team owner claimed his most recent victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last month with driver Simon Pagenaud behind the wheel. Joey Logano delivered Penske his second NASCAR Cup series title last year.

A date for the award ceremony has not been set.

 

photo courtesy Team Penske