MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr added another award to his trophy case Tuesday. 

Earnhardt returned to his hometown of Mooresville, where he received the Long Leaf Pine Award and the Citizen of the Year Award. 

The Long Leaf Pine Award is given to a person who gives back to their community, and aims to make their town a better place to live. 

Governor Roy Cooper presented Earnhardt with the award, and for Earnhardt, this is better than any racing trophy he's ever won. 

"There's a big difference between a trophy for a win and an award like the Citizen of the Year. There's a big difference, and I was humbled today, and that's probably the best emotion you can feel," Earnhardt says.

Dale Earnhardt Sr. also won this award in 1994, which makes this recognition even more special for the entire family. 

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