The Kyle Petty Charity Ride raises $1.4 million during its 29th anniversary journey, held from May 3 to May 9, 2025, as 125 motorcycles traveled through seven states to benefit Victory Junction, a camp for children with serious health conditions. The event, led by former NASCAR driver and analyst Kyle Petty, covered more than 1,400 miles, engaging fans and rallying support to fund camperships, building projects, and essential maintenance programs.
Seven-Day Journey Traverses Iconic American Scenery
Departing from Traverse City, Michigan, the Charity Ride took participants across a diverse and scenic route, eventually concluding in Hot Springs, Virginia. Throughout the week-long trek, fans greeted the group at various stops, where they could meet celebrity guests and learn more about the cause. The path included notable highlights, such as visits to the Henry Ford Museum and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, breathtaking views of the Great Lakes and Niagara Falls, laps at Watkins Glen International, stays at the Omni Bedford Springs resort, and a grand finale celebration in Virginia’s picturesque setting.
Rider Reflections and Supporter Contributions
Participants relished the journey’s memorable moments, which intertwined exploration with philanthropy.
“The Ride is something that I look forward to each year, and to have the ability to create memories and lifelong connections with our riders is something that is extra special,”
—Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver and Ride Leader. This year’s theme, “Tour of Wonders,” invited riders to immerse themselves in destinations previously passed by, amplifying the experience for new and returning supporters alike.
“This year’s theme was the ‘Tour of Wonders,’ and we hit some incredible wonders along the way. From wrapping around the scenic views of Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, to the iconic Niagara Falls, and finishing the Ride through the mountains of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia, the natural backdrop to this year’s route was breathtaking. We also made time for our riders to explore many of the places we simply passed by in previous years, such as the Henry Ford Museum, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Corning Museum of Glass. To see so many fans at each of our stops was truly amazing, and their contributions to Victory Junction mean the world to all of us and help send even more kids to camp each year.”
—Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver and Ride Leader
Local supporters and fans came out along the route, joining in the cause and contributing through the Ride’s Small Change. Big Impact. fundraising program. With donations from sponsors, organizations, the riders themselves, and those along the way, the 2025 Charity Ride’s abundant fundraising success was achieved.
Victory Junction: A Lasting Legacy of Support
Victory Junction, the direct beneficiary of the event, was established in 2004 by Petty and his family, honoring Adam Petty’s memory. Since the Charity Ride’s inception in 1995, it has collected over $23 million for Victory Junction and other children’s causes. The result is more than 136,000 camp experiences offered to kids of differing abilities with chronic medical needs, always at no cost to families.
Revenue from this latest ride will help Victory Junction continue essential programs, summer camps, and improvements to the facilities, furthering the camp’s reach for young people facing serious illnesses.
Sponsor and Celebrity Involvement Powers the Ride
Numerous partners played pivotal roles in the event’s execution, providing not only financial backing but also products and services during the trek.
“The Ride could not happen each year without the generous support and contributions of our unbelievable sponsors,”
—Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver and Ride Leader.
“Not only do each of our partners provide contributions to Victory Junction, but they also work diligently to supply our riders with incredible products to use along the route, as well as providing great food, fellowship, activities and more when the riders are not on their motorcycles.”
—Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver and Ride Leader
This year, sponsors included Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Dodge Law, Racing Electronics, WinCraft Racing, Petty Family Foundation, Wiley X, Prevost, Blue-Emu, and Goody’s, among others. These contributions supplemented the enjoyment and comfort of the participants while ensuring the Ride’s success.
The journey also featured well-known personalities such as Richard Petty, Max Papis, Ken Schrader, Kenny Wallace, Herschel Walker, Bill Davidson, Rick Allen, and Rutledge Wood, who joined the ride to support the cause and connect with fans nationwide.
Looking Forward: Continuing the Mission
The annual ride stands out as one of America’s largest charitable motorcycle tours, with each year building on previous achievements by engaging communities and celebrities alike in a shared mission. The energy and hopefulness felt throughout the event highlight the Ride’s unique blend of adventure, fellowship, and commitment to making a tangible difference for children living with chronic illnesses. As awareness and support continue to grow, future rides are set to broaden their positive impact, providing memorable camp experiences for even more children through the ongoing generosity of participants, sponsors, and fans.
