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NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson suffers stroke

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson is expected to make a full recovery from a mild stroke, according to a statement released by his family.

Pearson, 80, suffered the stroke Dec. 9, which affected his left side. He is “80-85 percent back to normal” and is continuing to undergo therapy.

“He is able to walk slowly, and his arm continues to get better with maneuverability,” the statement said. “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.”

Racing in NASCAR’s premier division across three decades, Pearson scored 105 victories, second only to Richard Petty all time, and won series championships in 1966, ‘68 and ‘69. He retired from the sport in 1989 and was inducted into NASCAR’s Hall of Fame in 2011.

NASCAR inducts its 2015 Hall of Fame Friday, a ceremony Pearson was expected to attend.

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