Motorsports and Raleigh icon Ray Price dies at 78

Motorsports icon Ray Price died Wednesday at his home. He was 78.

Price was actively involved in the Raleigh-based Ray Price Motorsports Racing Team. The team is the defending two-time National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Harley-Davidson Top Fuel Drag Racing Champions for 2014 and 2015.

"Today we mourn the passing of a tremendous man, a dedicated husband and parent, and a legend in motorsports," said General Manager Mark Hendrix of Ray Price, Inc. "Ray Price was a North Carolina icon with a huge heart, an unwavering passion for sharing his love of motorcycling, and a dedication to philanthropy and community service."

Price, a native of Johnston County, is best known for his many successes in motorcycle drag racing with the International Hot Rod Association, and National Hot Rod Association, among others. He is an inducted member of the American Motorcycle Association Hall of Fame, the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the N.C. Drag Racing Hall of Fame, and the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame.

Price is well-known for his motorcycle dealerships, Ray Price Harley-Davidson and Ray Price Triumph. He is also known for Capital City Bikefest, an annual motorcycle festival that has draws approximately 100,000 visitors into downtown Raleigh each September for the past 11 years.

Price is survived by his wife, Jean, his daughter, Robin, and grandchildren Rebecca and Jordan Richardson.

Funeral arrangements are pending.