NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Richard Gadson was honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence with the organization’s Little Achievement Award, recognizing his professional accomplishments, leadership, and continued commitment to mentorship and giving back.
Gadson was honored Tuesday night with the organization’s Little Achievement Award, recognizing his professional accomplishments, leadership, and continued commitment to mentorship and giving back.
The award was presented during BBBS Independence’s “Celebrating 110 Years” fundraising event at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. The Little Achievement Award honors a former “Little” who has gone on to be successful while embodying the core Big Brothers Big Sisters values of access, belonging, opportunity, and equity.
For Gadson, the recognition carries special meaning; the Independence chapter is where he was matched with his Big Brother, Jason Peck, as a child. Peck joined him at the event 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 by 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 shared the news with Peck, inviting him to attend the event with him, Peck’s reaction to the news was equally emotional.
“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 years, Gadson has worked closely with BBBS Independence to bring pairs of Bigs and Littles to the NHRA Reading Nationals, giving Littles and their families a behind-the-scenes experience at a professional drag racing event. His goal is to show kids the value of hard work, mentorship, and finding passion, whether in racing or elsewhere.
“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 NHRA Reading Nationals in Reading, Pa., Gadson has welcomed dozens of BBBS Bigs and Littles to the track at events in Charlotte, Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Dallas. He recalled two moments that stood out this season: a teen who became captivated by the sport, and a heartfelt message from a mom whose son “hasn’t stopped talking about the experience” since.
“You don’t do it for that message or the thanks,” he 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 is currently locked in a tight battle for the 2025 Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship with his Vance & Hines teammate, Gaige Herrera. It will all be decided this weekend at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif. As his career continues to rise, he says this recognition helps him stay grounded and focused on the bigger picture.
“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 is a testament to the power of mentorship and the lasting impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters. What began as a connection between a young boy and his Big Brother in Philadelphia has grown into a legacy of leadership, community, and inspiration for the next generation.