The second American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Brighter Image Award of this month (June 2003) has been bestowed upon NASCAR driver Kyle Petty. The AMA typically awards several of its Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Awards, which the Association calls, "the AMA's highest honor for activities that generate favorable publicity for motorcycling" every year, though one year it did not present any. Recently the AMA had also gave the award to Americade promoter Bill Dutcher.
Petty was recognized for his charitable work in general, but particularly his Kyle Petty Charity ride. He is also involved with Make-a-Wish and a medical camp for children.
Said the AMA of its selection of Petty: "An avid motorcyclist, Petty is best known as the driver of the #45 Georgia-Pacific/Brawny Dodge in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. In 1995, he founded the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America to benefit children's charities. Since then, the event has logged over 24,000 miles, involved over 3,000 riders, and generated over $3.5 million for children's hospitals across the country."
The Brighter Image Award was established in 1987. Past Brighter Image Awards ahve gone to Malcolm Forbes, Jay Leno, the California Highway Patrol, the Motor Maids, the Maine National Guard, Mike & Dianne Traynor, Pepsi, Mary Hart, Harley-Davidson, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Rosie O'Donnell, Harrison Ford, Hallmark, Malcolm Smith, AARP, and many others who fit the criteria.