In NASCAR’s rough and tumble era of the 1950s and 1960s, Hall of Fame inductee Ned Jarrett stood out due to his understated personality and polite demeanor. Perhaps that’s why the media often referred to him as “Gentlemen Ned” and looked at him as one of the sport’s original statesmen. After winning two Cup championships,…

The Nationwide Series isn’t the exact place Sam Hornish Jr., wanted to be for the 2013 season, but you won’t ever hear the Defiance, Ohio, native complain. As a former Indy Car champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, Hornish Jr., is just happy to be getting a shot at one of NASCAR’s premier racing titles. After…

Derek Fisher has never been named to an NBA All-Star team or won any major individual awards. But he has still been one of the most valuable role players to take the court over the past 17 seasons. With five championships to his credit (all with the Los Angeles Lakers), the Oklahoma City Thunder point…

Andy Petree has experienced NASCAR at just about every level—as a driver, crewmember, crew chief, car owner and most recently as an analyst for ESPN. Some might find it strange that he walked away from one of the greatest race teams in stockcar racing history, but as Petree explains in this Inspiring Athletes interview, it…

More from Beliefnet and our partners
More from Beliefnet and our partners