Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

Kyle Petty during the 2011 ride.

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is an annual motorcycle ride that travels across the country to raise awareness of and funds for Victory Junction Gang Camp and other charities supporting terminally ill children. It was founded in 1995 by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty.

About

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America[1] is an 10-day motorcycle ride through various cities nationwide. Participants log more than 3,000 miles (4,800 km) annually.

Since the Ride began in 1995, more than 6,100 riders have logged 7.9 million cumulative motorcycle miles and donated more than $12 million to children’s charities.

Beneficiaries

Victory Junction

Since 2004, Victory Junction has been the Ride’s primary beneficiary.[2] The camp was founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty[3][4] and his wife, Pattie Petty, in honor of their son Adam, who was killed on the racetrack in 2000.[5] Located on 84 acres (340,000 m2) in Randleman, North Carolina, the camp allows children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses to experience memorable, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound activities. In February 2008, Pattie and Kyle Petty announced their intention to build a second Victory Junction in Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas.[6] 2009 riders participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking at the new Victory Junction location during their stop in Kansas City on May 13.

History

In 1994 Kyle Petty and four friends rode their motorcycles from North Carolina to a NASCAR race at Phoenix International Raceway. Along the way, friends joined the Ride, and by the time the group reached Phoenix, it included 30 riders. The turnout gave Kyle the idea to create The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. The first official Ride was held in 1995.[7]

Chick-fil-A was the title sponsor of the event in 2004.[8]

Over the years many celebrities have participated in the ride, including, numerous fellow NASCAR drivers, owners, and executives. Other notable riders have included John Boy and Billy, Paul Teutul, Sr., Davis Love III, Herschel Walker, and Brad Daugherty.

References

  1. ↑ ESPN.com Petty ride a major fundraiser for children's camp
  2. ↑ BIZlife Feel Your Heart Race, a Visit with the Victory Junction
  3. ↑ PettyEnterprises.com
  4. ↑ NASCAR.com
  5. ↑ NASCAR.com Generosity helps Pettys deal with death, and life
  6. ↑ Victory Junction Founders
  7. ↑ Vol.12 Issue 3: Philanthropy World Philanthropy in America, Nascar's First Family
  8. ↑ Chick-fil-A Sponsorships

External links

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