NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson recovering from stroke

CHARLOTTE -- NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson is recovering after he suffered a mild stroke Dec. 9.

A statement provided by Pearson's family Wednesday said the stroke affected his left side, but the 80-year-old is 80-85% back to normal as a result of therapy. The family said "we expect a full recovery soon."

Nicknamed the "Silver Fox" for his sly, quick moves on the track and his prematurely graying hair, ​Pearson is considered by some to be the greatest NASCAR driver of all time.

He is second on the all-time wins list with 105 victories and won three championships -- in 1966, '68 and '69, before retiring in 1989. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011, the leading vote-getter in his class.

Only Richard Petty has more Cup wins -- he retired with 200. Petty also has seven titles.

The Pearson family statement also said: "He is able to walk slowly and his arm continues to get better with maneuverability. 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. ... Thanks to the NASCAR family and all of his fans and friends for their support and concern."

The stroke followed another health issue for Pearson -- an abdominal aneurysm, which occurred in October and left him hospitalized for more than a week.

Many expected to see Pearson here on Friday, when NASCAR inducts its next class into the Hall of Fame.

Contributing: Mike Hembree

Follow Gluck on Twitter @jeff_gluck