During the 36th Annual Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) Banquet & Auction, which was held Sept. 10, legendary NASCAR Hall-of-Famer, sportsman, lifelong conservationist, and immediate past Chairman of the CSF Board of Directors Richard Childress was honored with the Dingell-Young Sportsmen’s Legacy Award—CSF’s highest Award. The Award was presented to by last year’s Dingel-Young Sportsmen’s Legacy Award Winner, Johnny Morris, owner of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's and a longtime friend of Childress.
The Dingell-[Young Award, named in honor of bipartisan conservation champions—Reps. John Dingell Sr. and Jr. and Debbie Dingell, and Rep. Don Young—recognizes extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to promoting conservation, protecting America’s incredible outdoor traditions, and advancing access and opportunity for sportsmen and women across the nation.
“Richard Childress completely embodies the spirit behind the Dingell-Young Sportsmen’s Legacy Award. His passion for the outdoors is matched only by his commitment to protecting it for future generations, and he has made an immense difference for sportsmen and women throughout the nation,” said Jeff Crane, president and CEO of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “Richard leads his life with purpose, integrity and a deep respect for America’s sporting traditions, and I am just as proud to call him a friend as I am to see his contributions recognized through this Award.”
To be eligible for the Dingell-Young Award, an individual must demonstrate leadership and long-standing dedication to advancing two or more of the following areas: national conservation policy; the role of sportsmen and women in conservation; expanding public access to hunting, fishing and/or recreational shooting; increasing the engagement of youth and underrepresented communities in sporting pursuits; and promoting our outdoor heritage in the policy arena.
Childress has made a profound and lasting impact on conservation through his unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife, conserving habitats, and promoting America’s outdoor heritage. As a lifelong outdoorsman, Childress has leveraged his success in NASCAR and business to champion conservation causes, and has supported key initiatives that benefit wildlife research, habitat restoration and public access to hunting and fishing. He also previously served as Chairman of CSF’s Board of Directors, where he worked closely with and provided constant support and guidance to CSF leadership and staff in their work towards protecting and advancing America’s outdoor heritage.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive this Award that bears the names of some of the most dedicated champions of conservation our country has ever known,” Childress said. “The outdoors has always been part of who I am—whether it’s hunting, fishing, or simply being a steward of the land. I’m deeply grateful to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, to Johnny Morris for presenting this Award, and to the many conservation leaders who’ve inspired me along the way. This recognition isn’t just about me, it’s about ensuring future generations can enjoy the same freedoms, access, and connection to the outdoors that we’ve been blessed with. I’ll continue doing everything I can to carry that legacy forward."
