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Penske to get Presidential Medal of Freedom

FILE - In this Monday, June 10, 2019, file photo, President Donald Trump shakes hands with racing team owner Roger Penske, left, as driver Simon Pagenaud watches on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, as the president honored Team Penske for winning the 2019 Indianapolis 500 auto race. President Trump said Thursday, June 20, 2019, that he's awarding a Presidential Medal of Freedom to Penske, the most powerful man in American motorsports. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’s awarding a Presidential Medal of Freedom to Roger Penske, one of the most powerful men in American motorsports.

“He’s very deserving. He’s a great gentleman,” Trump said as he made the announcement Thursday at the White House. “I’ve known him a long time, and a very brilliant guy.”

Trump said he spoke with Penske on Thursday to inform him and that Penske is “very thrilled” to be receiving the nation’s highest commendation for a civilian.

Penske celebrated his record 18th victory as a car owner at the Indianapolis 500 in May with driver Simon Pagenaud, a feat that earned Penske his second trip to the White House this year. Penske had visited in April as Trump celebrated Joey Logano’s NASCAR championship. Penske, 82, is a fixture in the Detroit automotive scene and is one of America’s most successful businessmen.

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