AUGUSTA – Maine lawmakers have rejected a bill to authorize highway signs honoring Ricky Craven in his hometown, but the NASCAR driver will get roadside recognition anyway.

A bill before the Transportation Committee, LD 524, sought the state’s green light to erect signs along the Route 9 right of way in Newburgh.

The committee killed the bill after the state Transportation Department raised safety concerns. But a deal was worked out to allow Craven signs to go up on private property along the route.

Craven, the Winston Cup Rookie of the Year in 1995, is considered a hometown hero in Newburgh, near Bangor.