The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America raised more than $1 million through its 22nd anniversary motorcycle trek, continuing its position as the top cumulative donor to Victory Junction – a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
Former NASCAR driver and NBC Sports racing analyst Kyle Petty led 200 bikers on a 2,150-mile route, traveling from Palm Springs to Biloxi on April 30 to May 6, 2016, to raise funds and awareness for the camp.
Celebrities, ride sponsors, motorcycle enthusiasts, fans and local communities all came together to raise funds and awareness for the camp. Since 1995, more than 7,950 riders have logged more than 11.6 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised $17.5 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.
As a result of this year’s Ride alone, 100 children will attend Victory Junction at no cost to their families. The camp has served as the Ride’s primary beneficiary since its establishment by Petty and his family in 2004 in honor of his late son, Adam.
“We are extremely thankful for the incredible turnout year after year,” said Petty. “The seven-day journey wouldn’t be the same without our fans who came out to see us rain or shine. Thanks to the outpouring of support for Victory Junction and the Ride, we’ll be able to send even more kids to camp for years to come.”
“It’s incredible to see kids coming out to experience what it’s like to donate time and effort to a cause,” said Petty. “This year we received overwhelming support from schools, like Presidio County Schools in Texas, and we are thankful to provide so many deserving children an opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise have. I know Adam would be proud.”
This year’s Ride featured several celebrity riders, including NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven time champion Richard Petty, 2017 NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee Hershel McGriff, NASCAR legends Harry Gant and Donnie Allison, former NFL great Herschel Walker, retired Lieutenant Colonel Allen West, and NBC Sports NASCAR personality Rick Allen.
“You haven’t seen a place come alive until you’ve seen kids step foot into Victory Junction,” said Kyle’s father Richard Petty. “It opens a whole new world to these kids and we’re blessed to be able to contribute to that experience with another successful Ride.”
For more information about the 22nd Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, visit kylepettycharityride.com.
