NASCAR: Pearson recovering from mild stroke

NASCAR great David Pearson is recovering after suffering a mild stroke last month, the family has revealed.

"David had a mild stroke on Dec. 9 but is doing great and well on the road to recovery," the family's statement ran. "The stroke affected his left side somewhat but he is able to walk slowly and his arm continues to get better with maneuverability. He has great grip with his left hand so we are very much encouraged."

"He continues to have therapy on both his leg and arm, and progresses each day. Today, he is 80 to 85% back to normal and we expect a full recovery soon. Thanks to the NASCAR family and all of his fans and friends for their support and concern."

Spartanburg, S.C. native Pearson, now 80, ran 574 races run over 27 years in NASCAR's top leage, from 1960-'86, winning 105 of them, and ranks second on NASCAR's all-time win list only to Richard Petty. He won three championships (1966, 1968, and 1969) every year he ran the full schedule in what was then known as NASCAR's Grand National Series (now Sprint Cup Series). NASCAR described his 1974 season as an indication of his "consistent greatness" after he finished third in that season's points having competed in only 19 of 30 races.