Every town, no matter the size, has a history of famous folks who lived in their surroundings. Hickory is no different.
NASCAR has deeps roots in the area. Junior Johnson, Wilkes county native and discoverer of "drafting", began his fast-lane career on our mountain roads bootlegging moonshine during Prohibition and beyond. Gentleman Ned Jarrett, who owned and operated the infamous Hickory Motor Speedway, has led his children (Dale, Glenn and Patti) and grandchildren (Jason) in the world of stock car racing. Local boys done good.
In the arts, Jon Reep, stand-up comedian, won the 2007 Last Comic Standing and has kept us laughing