Kyle Petty, known for his career as a NASCAR driver and current racing analyst, has revealed the full route for the 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, with the event set to traverse the United States from Sonoma, California, to Charlotte, North Carolina, from May 1 to May 9, 2026. This major milestone for the Kyle Petty Charity Ride aims to benefit Victory Junction, a camp dedicated to providing transformative experiences for children facing serious medical conditions, ensuring the Kyle Petty Charity Ride stays focused on its mission while celebrating its legacy.
A Coast-to-Coast Journey Linking Iconic Speedway Venues
The 2026 ride will start at the famous Sonoma Raceway and conclude at Charlotte Motor Speedway, two emblematic tracks operated by Speedway Motorsports. Over nine days, Kyle Petty will lead around 150 motorcycles on a 3,400-mile expedition through 11 states, marking one of the longest and most ambitious routes in the event’s history. The charity ride seeks to rally support and raise funds for Victory Junction, and since its beginnings in 1995, the event has involved more than 9,575 participants, covered over 13.3 million miles, and raised in excess of $23 million for children’s causes.
Honoring Major American Milestones with the 2026 Route
The 2026 journey will celebrate America’s 250th birthday and cross roads with enduring historical significance, including the centennials of both Highway 50—often called the ‘Loneliest Road in America’—and the iconic Route 66. The organizers have partnered with the America 250 program to spotlight key destinations and contribute to the ongoing “Our American Story” initiative that records the experiences of everyday Americans for future generations. The ride not only raises funds but also brings attention to American history and culture as it makes its way across the country.
Highlight Stops Along the Route
Participants will have the chance to visit a range of celebrated locations as part of the ride’s itinerary. These include the original Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri, a tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, and a stop at the Coker Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The group will also navigate the renowned Dragon, an 11-mile stretch featuring 318 curves through the Appalachian Mountains. The Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and a special visit to Victory Junction ahead of the Charlotte finale are included, creating a route steeped in both American milestones and motorsports history.
Kyle Petty Reflects on the Historic Year Ahead
“The reason I am so excited about this year’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is because this is our 30th year,”
— Kyle Petty, Ride Organizer and Former NASCAR Driver
“America 250 – the anniversary of our great country’s independence, the 100th anniversary of Highway 50 – the ‘Loneliest Road in America,’ the 100th anniversary of Route 66 – another iconic highway. There is just so much to celebrate this year. The places we are stopping – Bass Pro Shops, Coker Museum, Graceland, riding the Dragon – just like the kid’s book says, ‘Oh the places you’ll go!’ I feel like a kid and I’m ready to do it.”
— Kyle Petty, Ride Organizer and Former NASCAR Driver
Opportunities for Fans and Supporters
Racing fans and supporters along the 2026 route are invited to meet the riders at one of the nine designated overnight stops or at various pit stops. These gatherings provide a unique chance to interact with Kyle Petty and the group, acquire memorabilia, secure autographs, and offer donations directly to Victory Junction. The ride’s organizers encourage the community to participate and help spread awareness for the cause.
The Complete Ride Schedule: Day-by-Day Breakdown
The official 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Friday, May 1 — Sonoma, CA to Ely, NV
Day 2: Saturday, May 2 — Ely, NV to Moab, UT
Day 3: Sunday, May 3 — Moab, UT to Colorado Springs, CO
Day 4: Monday, May 4 — Colorado Springs, CO to Wichita, KS
Day 5: Tuesday, May 5 — Wichita, KS to Springfield, MO
Day 6: Wednesday, May 6 — Springfield, MO to Memphis, TN
Day 7: Thursday, May 7 — Memphis, TN to Chattanooga, TN
Day 8: Friday, May 8 — Chattanooga, TN to Asheville, NC
Day 9: Saturday, May 9 — Asheville, NC to Charlotte, NC
A Nod to the Ride’s Inaugural Journey
This year’s starting and ending locations mirror the original route undertaken by Kyle Petty and his friends in 1995, following the conclusion of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway and finishing in Charlotte. Over the decades, the event has become one of the most significant cross-country fundraising efforts in the motorsports world, keeping the spirit of its first ride alive while growing in scale and impact.
Star-Studded Roster for the Anniversary Ride
Several high-profile names will be participating in the 30th anniversary event. Notable figures include NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time champion Richard Petty, fellow Hall of Famer Matt Kenseth, NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton, and former drivers such as Clint Bowyer, David Ragan, Ken Schrader, Kenny Wallace, and Max Papis. Representing multiple corners of the motorsports world, media personalities Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood, as well as Harley-Davidson brand ambassador Bill Davidson—descendant of founder William A. Davidson—will also attend.
In its history, the ride has hosted many other prominent NASCAR legends and officials, such as David Pearson, Terry Labonte, Ray Evernham, Robert Yates, Tony Stewart, Herschel McGriff, Donnie Allison, Harry Gant, and NASCAR top executives Mike Helton and Jim France.
Rider Selection and Participation
Due to overwhelming interest, applications for the 2026 event closed rapidly, filling all available spots in less than three days. The ride will feature participants from 35 states and two Canadian provinces, with 26 new riders joining. The selected group will enjoy a unique sense of camaraderie and belonging throughout the challenging journey.
“Once you go on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, you become part of the Charity Ride family,”
— Kyle Petty, Ride Organizer and Former NASCAR Driver
“This year we have 150 motorcycles going with us, and we still had to turn people away. It is the hardest thing to tell people it didn’t work out for this year’s Ride.”
— Kyle Petty, Ride Organizer and Former NASCAR Driver
“We tell those people to come back next year, get on the list, and we will look at those people first. We have two doctors and two nurses that go with us, paramedics that follow the bikes, retired Highway Patrol motor officers who act as our Ride Motor Marshals, we have a hotel and luggage team, a media team, Coca-Cola sends a team and truck with products, Harley-Davidson sends a truck and technicians – there are an additional 30+ people that go with us just to make sure we can ride every day. The level of commitment from our team, our valued partners and many volunteers is really something special.”
— Kyle Petty, Ride Organizer and Former NASCAR Driver
A Community Effort Supported by Partners
The success of the 30th Anniversary ride is due in large part to support from partners including Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson, Racing Electronics, WinCraft, Musco Lighting, Consolidated Pipe & Supply, America 250, Manafort Brothers, Piedmont Moving System, Wiley X, Prevost, Dodge Law, Petty Family Foundation, SoundOff Signal, Headbands of Hope, Goody’s Powder, Blue Emu, Haul Bikes, and Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores. Volunteers, medical personnel, and logistics teams will ensure the ride’s safety, coverage, and comfort for all participants and supporters.
Looking Ahead: Ongoing Announcements and Future Rides
Additional details regarding the 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, such as daily fuel stops and more specifics on the event’s schedule, will be released in the lead-up to May 2026. While this year’s application window has closed, those interested in future rides can monitor updates from the event organizers and connect through official social media channels and the ride’s website. The enduring tradition of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride continues to bring together communities, honor American history, and make a direct positive impact on children living with medical challenges.
