Kyle Petty, joined by his father, NASCAR legend Richard Petty, has embarked on the 29th annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, which began on May 3 in Traverse City, Michigan. Hundreds of fans gathered at the Shell station in Benzonia to cheer the riders on, as they set off to raise money for Victory Junction, a camp Petty established in 2004 for children facing chronic illnesses. Addressing a fan‘s question on social media, Kyle Petty clarified that autographs during the event are always free, and any donations are purely voluntary.
This year’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride covers 1,400 miles, ending May 9 in Hot Springs, Virginia. Along the way, the group will visit notable sites such as the Henry ford/”>Ford Museum in Michigan, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio, Watkins Glen International in New York, and the majestic Niagara Falls. The event continues its tradition since first launching in 1995, with over 220 riders participating this year, including former NASCAR drivers Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace.
Kyle Petty’s efforts for charity rides began with a journey from California to North Carolina and have evolved to focus on supporting Victory Junction after the heartbreaking loss of his son Adam in 2000. Petty’s commitment to children’s health led to the founding of the camp, offering year-round, cost-free programs for kids dealing with serious health conditions in Randleman, North Carolina. Victory Junction was made possible with inspiration from actor Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang camp.
In nearly three decades, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has directly benefited close to 8,000 children and has helped raise more than $22 million dollars. As the ride continues, it not only honors Adam Petty’s memory but also brings hope to countless families. With each mile traveled, Kyle Petty and his team inspire support, illustrating how passion and purpose can make a lasting difference for Victory Junction and the children it serves.
