NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Richard Gadson was recognized Tuesday night by Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence with the organization’s Little Achievement Award, honoring his professional success, leadership, and long-standing commitment to mentorship. The presentation took place at the “Celebrating 110 Years” gala at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
The award recognizes a former “Little” who has achieved success while embodying the organization’s values of access, belonging, opportunity, and equity. For Gadson, the honor was deeply personal — the Independence chapter is where he was first matched as a child with his Big Brother, Jason Peck, who joined him at the ceremony as his guest.
“When I found out I was receiving this award I was shocked,” said Gadson. “I figured there were doctors and lawyers, people I view as more successful than me, who’d be nominated. I didn’t always see myself as a role model because of the road I traveled to get to where I am now. I’m still pretty humble to the fact that other people see what I’ve done as impactful enough for something like this. I’m just grateful and appreciative.”
When Gadson told Peck about the award and invited him to attend, the news brought back a flood of emotion for both. “He texted me and said he was literally in tears,” said Gadson. “He reminded me how long it’s been, that I was his Little when his first son was born, and seeing what I’ve become now, he felt like he’d done his good deed. It really hit both of us hard.”
Over the past two seasons, Gadson has worked with BBBS Independence to bring pairs of Bigs and Littles to NHRA national events, starting at the Reading Nationals in Pennsylvania. His initiative offers children a behind-the-scenes look at professional drag racing while emphasizing lessons about hard work, mentorship, and finding purpose.
“You never do it for the thanks or recognition,” said Gadson. “This award is icing on the cake, especially being in my hometown. I just hope it inspires more people to become Bigs, because it matters. There are a lot of kids in the inner city who could use the positive influence that Big Brothers Big Sisters provides.”
Since the 2024 Reading Nationals, Gadson has expanded the effort to other NHRA stops in Charlotte, Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Dallas. He said the most rewarding part has been seeing the impact firsthand — from a teen who became captivated by the sport to a parent who said her son “hasn’t stopped talking about the experience” since.
“You don’t do it for that message or the thanks,” Gadson said. “But when you get it, you realize how much it matters. Hearing that I’m making an impact on these kids and showing them a small part of the world of drag racing means so much to me.”
Gadson, one of the NHRA’s rising stars, remains in championship contention heading into this weekend’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona, California. He trails teammate Gaige Herrera in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings as the season reaches its conclusion. Despite the pressure, Gadson said the BBBS honor provides perspective that racing alone cannot.
“I spend a lot of time trying to figure out ‘why me,’” said Gadson. “But this journey has shown me that winning and losing isn’t all it’s about. The impact I’m having on these kids, that’s bigger than trophies. It makes me content with the journey, however it ends at the racetrack.”
Gadson’s story — from a young boy in the Philadelphia BBBS program to a nationally recognized racer and mentor — reflects the organization’s mission in action. What began as one match between a “Big” and a “Little” has evolved into a full-circle example of leadership, gratitude, and giving back.
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