RANDLEMAN, N.C. -- The campaign bus was so big it had to pull in and back down a hill at Victory Junction Camp. Dr. Ben Carson exited with some campaign staffers and walked over to meet his host.

"Richard Petty,’’ said the NASCAR racing legend, sticking out his right hand.

“My goodness, how nice to see you,” said Dr. Carson, shaking hands.

"Appreciate you coming by," said Petty.

And after introductions and small talk, Petty, along with his grandson Austin, the camp’s chief operating officer, and other family and staff, showed Carson around the camp.

"We serve children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, seizures, we have a large population of neurologic, genetic disorders,’’ said nurse Denise Leone.

It is something the retired pediatric neurosurgeon understands.

"Taking care of people, it's our responsibility, not the government's responsibility, and we do it so much better than they do it,’’ said Carson.

Certainly North Carolina's prominence as a battleground state was a factor in Dr. Carson's visit here and also this campaign swing through the state.

When asked about how important the state was to his campaign strategy, Carson said every state was important to the strategy.

"I love North Carolina, it's a great place with a lot of people with a lot of common sense. I have some very good friends here,’’ said Carson.

Carson’s come up in the polls and was asked his opinion about why.

"Just telling the truth, talking about what resonates with people,’’ said Carson.  “I'm just going to be who I am, if they like that, that's great, and if they don't, so be it."

Carson will be back in the Triad Tuesday after an evening reception in Charlotte. 

He'll be speaking at Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem.

Petty served over a dozen years as a Republican County commissioner in Randolph County. He’s participated in events for Ronald Reagan, both Bush campaigns and for John McCain. 

He says he’ll hold back any endorsement until after the primaries, if at all.

"I sort of stay out of the politics and let everybody figure out what's going on, and make my decision from there," said Petty.

Campers like 14-year-old Chris Coke, who has spina bifida, appreciated the visit.

"Having a presidential candidate, just is special,’’ said Coke. "Running for president, him coming here, taking the time, it's just incredible."

His mother Carol Coke appreciates the possible benefits.

"Having someone like Dr. Carson, potentially be in office, he could do a lot to advocate for our children with disabilities,’’ said Coke.

Petty also appreciated the visit, which was apparently set up a number of weeks ago.

"I feel real honored that he would take time to come by and see Victory Junction, so from that standpoint, hopefully it's good for the camp,’’ said Petty.

As the campaign was preparing to leave, Petty was handed the keys to the campaign bus, and asked if he could start it.

"We know there's nobody can give me a better ride,’’ said Carson, to laughs.

Petty pulled off his trademark western hat, and placed it on Carson’s head, saying, “That's his helmet,’’ but declined urges to also hand over the wraparound sunglasses he’s seldom seen without.

The King rose to the challenge after a little coaching from Carson, and the bus roared to life.

The men exchanged thank-yous and Petty repeated his greeting.

"Appreciate you coming,’’ said Petty.