Richard Childress to Receive 2026 Horatio Alger Award

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans announced on Tuesday that Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, will receive the prestigious Horatio Alger Award and become a lifetime member of the organization.

The Horatio Alger Award recognizes individuals who have reached remarkable success despite significant challenges and who demonstrate a strong commitment to higher education and philanthropy. Childress joins 10 other leaders from across the country in the 2026 class of honorees.

“Throughout my life, I’ve learned how important it is to find your passion and pursue it with relentless dedication. You have to be willing to put everything on the line. My passion for racing began when I was just a kid at the track, and that spark has stayed with me ever since, pushing me to chase success in the sport I love,” said Childress.

“But passion alone isn’t enough. Surrounding yourself with people who share your drive is a source of strength that leads to success. That’s why being part of the Horatio Alger Association is so meaningful. This community of dedicated members works together to uplift young people as they follow their dreams. I’m honored to join in that mission.”

Childress' dream of racing began at a young age, and the journey began when he purchased a taxicab for $20 to use as his first race car. Since then, Childress has grown into one of the most recognizable names in NASCAR.

Richard Childress Racing has earned more than 200 wins across NASCAR's national series. The team has claimed six NASCAR Cup Series championships, as well as three Daytona 500 wins and three Brickyard 400 victories.

Childress and his wife, Judy, are also being recognized for their philanthropic efforts with the honor. In 2008, the Childresses partnered with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to establish the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. This has grown into a nationwide initiative dedicated to preventing childhood trauma and life-threatening injury.

“Richard Childress is an exceptional leader whose integrity, resilience, and commitment to excellence has long distinguished him in the world of motorsports and beyond,” said Marcia G. Taylor, President and CEO, Bennett International Group LLC, a 2017 Horatio Alger Award recipient who nominated Childress for the Award.

“Through our partnership with Richard Childress Racing, I have seen firsthand how his dedication to his team, his industry, and his community reflects the very qualities that the Horatio Alger Association seeks to honor. I am pleased to support his induction and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”

The Horatio Alger Association will honor the following individuals with lifetime membership in the organization:

• Maria S. Bartiromo, Anchor and Global Markets Editor for FOX Business Network
• Thaddeus Michael Bullard, President of Bullard Family Foundation
• Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing
• Eileen Collins, Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and Former Space Shuttle Commander at NASA
• Dr. Peter Craig Farrell, Founder of ResMed, Inc.
• Cordia Harrington, Founder of Crown Bakeries
• Imran Khan, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Proem Advisors
• Byron Roth, Executive Chairman of Roth Capital Partners
• William W. Rowley, Chairman and Founder of Healthnetwork Foundation
• Robert E. Segert, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of athenahealth
• Douglas S. Witcher, Chairman of the Board of Smart Choice

“For 79 years, the Horatio Alger Association has recognized individuals who are living embodiments of the American Dream. In addition to setting an example for the next generation of young leaders across the nation, members commit to support students who seek to better their challenging circumstances through education," said Ambassador Barbara M. Barrett, President of the Horatio Alger Association and 1999 Horatio Alger Award recipient.

“The 11 Horatio Alger Award recipients who will be inducted this year are among the best America has to offer. We are proud to honor them and look forward to the impact they will make.”

Childress and his fellow honorees will be formally inducted during the 79th Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies, which will be held in Washington, D.C. in April. The ceremonies coincide with the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference, allowing more than 100 students to explore the nation's capital and meet with Association Members.