PENSKE TO BE AWARDED HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOUR IN THE US

Roger Penske will be awarded the highest civilian honour in the United States – Photo: LAT

Roger Penske will be awarded the highest civilian honour in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

It was announced in the United States overnight by President Donald Trump that the motorsport icon will be awarded the prestigious honour for his contribution to business, motorsport, and community.

The medal is used to recognise those people 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 endeavours.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by President Trump and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.” Penske said in a statement.

“I am humbled by the President’s acknowledgement of our achievements in business, in motorsports and in our community.”

“Thank you to President Trump for this special recognition.”

“On behalf of my wife Kathy (Penske), our family and our nearly 65,000 team members worldwide, it will be my privilege to accept this prestigious award.”

82-year-old Penske’s career started out as an accomplished racing driver for several years before moving on to become a billionaire running car dealerships and his commercial vehicle leasing company.

“He’s very deserving. He’s a great gentleman,” Trump said at the White House on Thursday. “I’ve known him a long time, and a very brilliant guy.”

Beyond his international business interests, his motorsport involvement includes teams in the Indycar, NASCAR and IMSA as well as his 51% stake in Supercars operation DJR Team Penske.

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