Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

Riding for the Cause since 1995

The 30th Anniversary Ride will take place from May 1 – May 9, 2026, starting in Sonoma, California, and ending in Charlotte, North Carolina, crossing 11 states in just nine days.

Former NASCAR driver and current racing analyst Kyle Petty officially announced the complete route and overnight stops for the 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCRAA). For the milestone edition, the 30th Anniversary KPCRAA will truly cross the United States, starting in Sonoma, California, on May 1, 2026, and concluding in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 9, 2026.

 

The 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will be book-ended by trips to two iconic Speedway Motorsports (SM) racetracks, Sonoma Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, and will see Petty lead roughly 150 motorcycles over 3,400 miles across 11 states in just nine days to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction – a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions. Since 1995, more than 9,575 riders have logged 13.3 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised more than $23 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.

 

Morgan and our Motor Marshals are going over every mile, every turn, and every light along the route! This detailed planning is essential to ensure a safe Ride! pic.twitter.com/VadnYcoO8H

— KylePettyCharityRide (@KPCharityRide) April 29, 2026

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the 30th Anniversary KPCRAA will ride historic Highway 50, the ‘Loneliest Road in America,’ and parts of the original Route 66, both of which are celebrating their Centennial in 2026. The Ride is working closely with America 250 to highlight iconic stops along the way, and contribute to the “Our American Story,” program in which stories of everyday Americans will be recorded for posterity.

 

The Ride will also make stops at the original Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri; tour Elvis Presley’s home and museum Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee; explore the Coker Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee; ride the famous 318-curve and 11-mile Dragon through the Appalachian Mountains; visit Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina; capped off with a trip to Victory Junction before heading to Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

“The reason I am so excited about this year’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is because this is our 30th year,” Petty said. “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.”

 

Spectators and race fans along the 2026 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride’s nine overnight stops or daily pit stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia, collect autographs and make donations to Victory Junction.

 

Full 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule:

• 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

The start and end points for the 30th Anniversary Ride also replicates the first route taken by Kyle Petty and friends during the initial Ride in 1995. The first Ride kicked off May 8, 1995, following the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, and wrapped up in Charlotte eight days later.

 

Among the celebrities participating in this milestone 30th Anniversary Ride are NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty; NASCAR Hall of Famer and NASCAR Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth; NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton; former NASCAR drivers Clint Bowyer, David Ragan, Ken Schrader, and Kenny Wallace; former Formula 1, Champ Car, and NASCAR driver Max Papis; former IndyCar driver JR Hildebrand; TV personalities Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood; and great-grandson of William A. Davidson, one of the Harley-Davidson founders, VP & Global Brand Ambassador Bill Davidson.

 

The bikes are unloaded and all we’ve got left to do is ride! pic.twitter.com/eZSwa8Abkr

— KylePettyCharityRide (@KPCharityRide) April 28, 2026

Since the inaugural year in 1995, the KPCRAA has had 10 total NASCAR Hall of Fame members, two Landmark Award winners and one Squier-Hall Award winner participate in the Ride including: Richard Petty, David Pearson, Terry Labonte, Ray Evernham, Robert Yates, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Hershel McGriff, Donnie Allison, Harry Gant, NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France, and veteran journalist Deb Williams.

 

Applications for the 2026 Ride are closed, and all riders have been selected. The Ride accepted 26 new riders, and applications for the 30th Anniversary Ride filled up in record-setting time – less than 72 hours after applications were distributed. All told, there will be riders from 35 different states, plus two Canadian provinces, taking part in this year’s Ride.

 

“Once you go on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, you become part of the Charity Ride family,” Petty said. “It’s hard to explain to somebody that doesn’t understand it. We have around 50 people who have gone 20 years or more on this Ride.

 

“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.” he said. “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 with wife Morgan and sons Overton, Cotton and Davant. 

 

 

source: Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCRAA) Media

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Announces 30th Anniversary Ride Route

The 30th Anniversary Ride will take place from May 1 – May 9, 2026, starting in Sonoma, California, and ending in Charlotte, North Carolina, crossing 11 states in just nine days.

 

Former NASCAR driver and current racing analyst Kyle Petty officially announced the complete route and overnight stops for the 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCRAA). For the milestone edition, the 30th Anniversary KPCRAA will truly cross the United States, starting in Sonoma, California, on May 1, 2026, and concluding in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 9, 2026.

 

The 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will be book-ended by trips to two iconic Speedway Motorsports (SM) racetracks, Sonoma Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, and will see Petty lead roughly 150 motorcycles over 3,400 miles across 11 states in just nine days to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction – a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions. Since 1995, more than 9,575 riders have logged 13.3 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised more than $23 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.

 

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the 30th Anniversary KPCRAA will ride historic Highway 50, the ‘Loneliest Road in America,’ and parts of the original Route 66, both of which are celebrating their Centennial in 2026. The Ride is working closely with America 250 to highlight iconic stops along the way, and contribute to the “Our American Story,” program in which stories of everyday Americans will be recorded for posterity.

 

The Ride will also make stops at the original Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri; tour Elvis Presley’s home and museum Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee; explore the Coker Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee; ride the famous 318-curve and 11-mile Dragon through the Appalachian Mountains; visit Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina; capped off with a trip to Victory Junction before heading to Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

“The reason I am so excited about this year’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is because this is our 30th year,” Petty said. “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.”

 

Rutledge Wood, NASCAR Race Mom and Kyle Petty 2014 Carlsbad KPCR
Spectators and Race fans along the 2026 route will have loads of fun! 

 

Spectators and race fans along the 2026 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride’s nine overnight stops or daily pit stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia, collect autographs and make donations to Victory Junction.

 

The 2008 KPCRAA took us from Traverse City, MI to Savannah, GA, with some incredible stops along the way. We lapped Road America, visited the new Harley-Davidson Museum and even had a talent show! pic.twitter.com/IuEPwjftH5

— KylePettyCharityRide (@KPCharityRide) February 20, 2026

Full 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule:

• 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

The start and end points for the 30th Anniversary Ride also replicates the first route taken by Kyle Petty and friends during the initial Ride in 1995. The first Ride kicked off May 8, 1995, following the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, and wrapped up in Charlotte eight days later.

 

Among the celebrities participating in this milestone 30th Anniversary Ride are NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty; NASCAR Hall of Famer and NASCAR Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth; NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton; former NASCAR drivers Clint Bowyer, David Ragan, Ken Schrader, and Kenny Wallace; former Formula 1, Champ Car, and NASCAR driver Max Papis; former IndyCar driver JR Hildebrand; TV personalities Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood; and great-grandson of William A. Davidson, one of the Harley-Davidson founders, VP & Global Brand Ambassador Bill Davidson.

 

Since the inaugural year in 1995, the KPCRAA has had 10 total NASCAR Hall of Fame members and two Landmark Award winners participate in the Ride including: Richard Petty, David Pearson, Terry Labonte, Ray Evernham, Robert Yates, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Herschel McGriff, Donnie Allison, Harry Gant, NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton, and NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France.

“Once you go on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, you become part of the Charity Ride family,” Petty said. “It’s hard to explain to somebody that doesn’t understand it. We have around 50 people who have gone 20 years or more on this Ride.

 

“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.” he said. “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.”

  

source: Kyle Petty Charity Ride Media

Speedway Children’s Charities Gala Raises Record $1.5 Million Ahead of Coca-Cola 600

"Every dollar raised will go to deserving organizations across the Charlotte region that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children."

Emcees Clint Bowyer and Adam Alexander share stories with gala honoree and
NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty during the 43rd annual Speedway
Children's Charities Gala at Ten Tenths Motor Club on Wednesday.

 

In a powerful kickoff to Memorial Day race weekend, the 43rd annual Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) Gala presented by Sonic Automotive, EchoPark Automotive and Sonic Powersports raised a record-breaking $1.5 million on Wednesday night, reinforcing a longstanding commitment to helping children in need across the Charlotte region and beyond.

 

𝓖𝓐𝓛𝓐 43. 😎 @therichardpetty pic.twitter.com/UU1fa2KlW2

— Speedway Children's Charities - North Carolina (@SCC_NC) May 21, 2025

The black-tie affair, held at the all-new Ten Tenths Motor Club, honored NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty, whose iconic style and legacy added flair and heart to an already electric evening. In a moment that brought the crowd to its feet, Petty auctioned off two of his legendary autographed hats — each fetching an incredible $43,000, a nod to his famed No. 43 car.

 

Guests were also treated to a gourmet plated dinner crafted by renowned chef and SCC supporter Bruce Moffett, followed by a high-energy performance from GRAMMY Award-winning Americana band Old Crow Medicine Show, capping off a night filled with generosity, entertainment and unforgettable memories.

 

Since its founding in 1982 by Speedway Motorsports, Speedway Children’s Charities has remained steadfast in its mission: to care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in collaboration with partner organizations across the U.S. To date, SCC has distributed more than $72 million nationally to thousands of organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children.

 

“Tonight is a testament to the power of community and the good we can accomplish together to positively impact children in need,” said Speedway Children’s Charities Chairman Marcus Smith. “Every dollar raised will go to deserving organizations across the Charlotte region that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children. It’s hard to imagine a more worthy cause.”

 

For more information about Speedway Children’s Charities or to donate, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.

 

Kids Win. ❤️❤️@SCC_NC Gala raised a record $1.5 million Wednesday night for Charlotte-area children in need!

READ MORE 📰: https://t.co/iwp6V3wwAz pic.twitter.com/XzDutFKLXG

— Charlotte Motor Speedway (@CLTMotorSpdwy) May 22, 2025

 

source: Charlotte Motor Speedway Media

HSR NASCAR Classic

Presented by Petty’s Garage Series Debuts This Weekend at VIRginia International Raceway

• - Past and Present Stock Car and Road Racing Driving Stars and the Nation's Top Historic Stock Car Drivers Compete in Saturday's Debut Doubleheader Driving Pristinely Restored Historic and Vintage NASCAR Stock Cars
• - Stock Car Racing Legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty Scheduled to Visit VIR Friday Afternoon at the Petty's Garage Hauler Area in the Main VIR Paddock
• - Additional 2024 Events Include Watkins Glen International for the HSR NASCAR Classic at the NASCAR Go Bowling at the Glen, September 13 - 14, and the HSR NASCAR Classic at the NASCAR Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, October 11 – 12

The HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage racing series debuts this weekend at VIRginia International Raceway with the HSR NASCAR Classic at the IMSA Michelin GT Challenge at VIR on Friday and Saturday. Today's opening practice and qualifying sessions set the stage for Saturday's doubleheader schedule of races at 8:50 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. EDT.

 

Open to stock cars that have been retired from active competition, the introduction of the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage is a direct response to the increasing popularity of HSR's Group 8 Historic Stock Cars category with competitors and race fans alike. The entry list for this weekend's inaugural event has attracted a pristine collection of Historic Stock Cars from the last two decades as well as some earlier examples both in competition and on display at VIR.

 

Past and present stock car and sports car racing notables such as Joe Nemechek, Mike Skeen and PJ Hyett compete this weekend alongside a lineup of top Historic Stock Car and road racing drivers including Ryan Gemmell, Larry Hoopaugh, Jeff McKee, Greg Richardson, Mike Slutz, Donnie Strickland, Rodney Reston, Chris Evans, Carlus Gann, Patrick Womack and Raymond Webb.

 

Even better, legendary NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer Richard Petty adds to the stout list of notables turning out for the inaugural NASCAR Classic event. "The King" is scheduled to arrive at VIR Friday afternoon to join his teammates at the Petty's Garage hauler area in the main VIR paddock.

 

The Petty’s Garage presenting sponsorship is supported by a full presence in the VIR paddock and the team's recently built and original 2006 Petty Enterprises Dodge Charger carrying the colorful Victory Junction paint scheme and No. 45. Skeen drives the Charger this weekend, which was last raced in its prime by Kyle Petty.

 

The Petty's Garage NASCAR Classic partnership comes at a more than appropriate time as the legendary racing family marks its 75th Anniversary in 2024. The NASCAR Classic partnership adds an on-track competition component to the Petty Family Diamond Jubilee that has been celebrated all year.

 

Eligible NASCAR Classic stock cars include those built to previous NASCAR rule book specifications for Cup, Xfinity, Truck and ARCA competition. Current editions of the rules-eligible cars in each series, such as the Cup series Generation 7 chassis, are not eligible in NASCAR Classic competition.

 

The VIR HSR NASCAR Classic is the first time HSR has been part of an IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race weekend. Spectator tickets for this weekend's races are available at https://virnow.com.

 

 

In addition to this weekend's inaugural #NASCAR Classic race, HSR Historic Stock Cars return to Watkins Glen for the second-straight year on NASCAR weekend, September 13 – 14, for the HSR NASCAR Classic at the Go Bowling at the Glen.

 

The other addition to the new series is the HSR NASCAR Classic at the NASCAR Bank of America ROVAL 400, October 11 – 12, which is HSR's first appearance at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

For more information on the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage, and HSR overall, please visit https://www.hsrrace.com.

 

source: Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Media 

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Crosses Nine States on 2024 Ride

NASCAR’s Kyle Petty will lead 150 motorcycles more than 2,100 miles on a week-long trek from South Dakota to North Carolina, ending at Victory Junction to celebrate the camp’s 20th anniversary. 

 

Former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty is hitting the open road once again to lead the 28th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America – one of the most popular charity rides in the country. From May 4 – 10, 2024, Petty will lead 150 motorcycles across nine states on a seven-day trek, covering more than 2,100 miles in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction – a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions.

 

Presented by Cox Automotive, the Ride will kick-off in Deadwood, South Dakota, on Saturday, May 4 and will end in Greensboro, North Carolina on Friday, May 10 with a celebratory homecoming at Victory Junction. Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider and is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The company’s brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim, which will host breakfast for the Ride at Manheim Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 8.

 

“Our team is beyond excited to host Kyle and the riders at Manheim Indianapolis for breakfast during their 28th Anniversary route,” said Chuck Werner, general manager for the Louisville-Indianapolis Market Center. “It means so much for us to be included in this inspiring event and we look forward to helping the Ride send many deserving kids to Victory Junction.”

 

Petty has a jam-packed route planned for the 2024 Ride’s 250 participants, including 30 new riders. In fact, Petty has coined this adventure “The AmerICON Ride,” to pay homage to the iconic American attractions featured on this year’s Ride. Some of the highlights include visiting Mount Rushmore National Monument, stopping at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, exploring Churchill Downs – home of the Kentucky Derby, touring the legendary National Corvette Museum, visiting Bristol Motor Speedway, and so much more.

 

Spectators along the 2024 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride’s seven overnight stops or daily pit stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia and make donations. 

 

28th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule:

• Day 1, Saturday, May 4 – Deadwood, South Dakota to North Platte, Nebraska
• Day 2, Sunday, May 5 – North Platte, Nebraska to Omaha, Nebraska
• Day 3, Monday, May 6 – Omaha, Nebraska to Bettendorf, Iowa
• Day 4, Tuesday, May 7 – Bettendorf, Iowa to Indianapolis, Indiana
• Day 5, Wednesday, May 8 – Indianapolis, Indiana to Bowling Green, Kentucky
• Day 6, Thursday, May 9 – Bowling Green, Kentucky to Bristol, Virginia
• Day 7, Friday, May 10 – Bristol, Virginia to Greensboro, North Carolina

 

“This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Victory Junction, so I immediately knew we had to bring the Ride back to camp to celebrate this incredible milestone. After all, the Ride has been there since Victory Junction’s inception, as a founding supporter in 2004, and has remained the largest cumulative donor,” said Petty. “From riding the Black Hills of South Dakota and crossing the mighty Mississippi River to visiting iconic American landmarks, we are going to experience some truly incredible places on this year’s Ride, but none more so than ending back ‘home’ at Victory Junction – where we can see so many deserving kids light up with happiness and experience the magic that lives at camp.”

 

Victory Junction 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. Since it first began in 1995, the Ride has raised more than $21 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities. As a result, the Ride has helped Victory Junction mobilize resources to provide over 115,000 camp experiences for children of all levels of abilities who are living with complex medical conditions at no cost to their families.

News out today! @kylepetty will lead 150 motorcycles on a week-long trek from South Dakota to North Carolina. This year's Charity Ride celebrates Victory Junction's 20th anniversary! Follow along @KPCharityRide and https://t.co/TFccZmMdls pic.twitter.com/7oBaFkNjWO

— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) February 27, 2024

Among the celebrities participating in the 2024 Ride are NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Hershel McGriff; former NASCAR drivers Max Papis, David Ragan, Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace; former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker; and TV personalities Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood.

 

The 2024 Ride is made possible by presenting sponsor Cox Automotive, as well as Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Dodge Law, Racing Electronics, WinCraft Racing, Petty Family Foundation, Headbands of Hope, Piedmont Moving Systems, Wiley X, Prevost, Blue Emu, Goody’s and Kelderman Manufacturing.

 

Keep up with Petty and the Ride on social media at the following accounts: 

• • Facebook:  
• www.facebook.com/kpcharityride 
• www.facebook.com/kylepetty45 
• • Instagram:  
• www.instagram.com/kpcharityride 
• www.instagram.com/kylepetty 
• • Twitter:  
• www.twitter.com/kpcharityride 
• www.twitter.com/kylepetty 

 

For more information about the Ride or to donate, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.

 

source: Kyle Petty Charity Ride Media

NASCAR Legend Cale Yarborough Dies

Three-time Cup Champion, Yarborough won four Daytona 500s and became the first NASCAR driver to win three straight titles

 

NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough has died. He was 84.

 

Yarborough is one of the most successful NASCAR drivers ever with 83 Cup Series wins and three championships. Yarborough won those championships in three straight seasons from 1976-78 as he amassed 28 wins and 70 top-five finishes over 90 races in that span.

 

“Cale Yarborough was one of the toughest competitors NASCAR has ever seen,” NASCAR chairman Jim France said in a statement. “His combination of talent, grit and determination separated Cale from his peers, both on the track and in the record book. He was respected and admired by competitors and fans alike and was as comfortable behind the wheel of a tractor as he was behind the wheel of a stock car. On behalf of the France family and NASCAR, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cale Yarborough.”

 

One of Yarborough’s most famous moments in NASCAR came right after he won his third and final championship. Yarborough was racing for the lead with Donnie Allison in the 1979 Daytona 500 when the two drivers collided on the backstretch and their cars went sliding through the infield. After climbing from their cars in the infield as Richard Petty ended up winning the race, the two started tussling as Allison’s brother Bobby had also arrived on the scene.

 

 

The fight was a signature moment for NASCAR, which was primarily a regional motorsports series at the time. The 1979 Daytona 500 was the first race televised live from start to finish on broadcast television, and a snowstorm in the Northeast and Midwest led to many tuning into the race because they were stuck at home.

 

Yarborough is one of just seven drivers with more than 80 Cup Series wins and is tied with Jimmie Johnson for the sixth-most wins at NASCAR’s top level behind Petty, David Pearson, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip. Allison and Waltrip finished their careers with one more win than Yarborough.

 

Yarborough was also the first driver in Cup Series history to win three consecutive titles. While Petty, Johnson and Dale Earnhardt each have seven championships, only Johnson won more than two consecutive titles. Johnson tied Yarborough with his third consecutive title in 2008 and went on to win two more to get five straight from 2006-10.

 

Petty is also the only driver to win more Daytona 500s than Yarborough. Petty won seven 500s in his career to Yarborough's four.

 

A South Carolina native, Yarborough attended races at Darlington Raceway as a kid and competed in the 1957 Southern 500 as a 17-year-old even though NASCAR realized how old he was right before it began. Yarborough had lied about his age to enter the race — the minimum age was 21 — and started the race before switching places with a different driver much to NASCAR’s chagrin.

 

Yarborough’s legendary status also comes from his daredevil personality. It’s no stretch to say he’s one of the toughest and boldest NASCAR drivers to ever compete in the series. Just read this story he told Sports Illustrated in 1968 about flying a plane for the first time.

 

"Wib Weatherly and I had bought a plane," Cale said, "a Piper J-4. When it got here, Wib and I started to talking, each of us telling the other about how good we could fly. So finally we went out and got in the plane, and I said, 'I'll turn it over and you take the controls,' and he said, 'Naaw, you take the controls and I'll turn it over.' So I did, and never let on about anything and just taxied and took off as pretty as you please. Every time I'd offer to give the controls over, Wib'd say, 'Naaw, Cale, you're doing just fine.' Well, pretty soon we were running low on fuel and it was time to land and I said, 'Wib, I took off; you land it,' and Wib said, 'Naaw, you're doing fine, Cale. You land it.' Then I confessed that that was the first time I'd been at the controls of an airplane. Wib confessed, too. He said that was the second time he'd ever even been up in an airplane. Well, I brought it in, bouncing all over the place and with Wib's eyes as big as saucers, and the next day I was out there and took off again and practiced landings in this field until I could do it pretty good. Never had a lesson in my life."

 

Yarborough had his most success racing for Junior Johnson’s team. He left Johnson’s team after the 1980 season. He won two of his four Daytona 500s in the 1980s as he won 14 races from 1981-1985 even though he was competing on a part-time basis.

 

He became a car owner ahead of the 1987 season and drove part-time through 1988 before retiring from driving. Yarborough’s team wasn’t very successful; John Andretti won the team’s only race in the 1997 Pepsi 400 before Yarborough shut the team down and sold it in 2000.

 

Yarborough was elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011 on the hall’s third ballot. He was a finalist to make the hall in each of the first two election cycles but wasn’t among the first 10 inducted.

 

Toughness. That was Cale Yarborough. pic.twitter.com/CHDK5cTiH9

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) December 31, 2023

Statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles on the passing of four-time Indianapolis 500 starter and three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Cale Yarborough. pic.twitter.com/s3Xb87ilii

— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) December 31, 2023

This is Cale Yarborough
Windshield was broken from debris. He pitted to remove it, returned to the track without a windshield to run 5 more laps while his crew went to the garage to get a replacement. They replaced the windshield and he finished 5th. RIP 🏁 pic.twitter.com/3dXtloeGDW

— Eddie Wood (@woodchopper16) January 1, 2024

Statement from @WinstonKelley on the passing of Class of 2012 NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough. We offer our sincere condolences to the entire Yarborough family. #NASCARHall #NASCAR #ForeverLegends pic.twitter.com/F82Y0dAmJI

— NASCAR Hall of Fame (@NASCARHall) December 31, 2023

We are saddened by the loss of Cale Yarborough, a true racer whose competitive spirit was felt by all through his relentless drive and unwavering commitment to excellence. He set the standard for generations of racers and inspired fans at every turn. His impact on the sport will… pic.twitter.com/ohrhJPa1Aq

— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) December 31, 2023

source: Yahoo Sports Media

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Revs Up for 27th Anniversary Event

225 riders will travel more than 1,500 miles on a week-long trek across Nevada and Utah, raising funds to send children to Victory Junction

 

All eyes will be on Nevada and Utah from April 29 – May 5, 2023 as former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty celebrates the 27th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America with a scenic journey through the Sagebrush and Beehive States. As one of the most popular charity rides in the country, Petty will lead more than 125 motorcycles on a seven-day trek, covering over 1,500 miles in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction – a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions.

 

 

Presented by Cox Automotive, the Ride will kick-off in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday, April 29 and will return to Salt Lake City on Friday, May 5 – marking the second time the Ride has started and ended in the same city. Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and solutions provider and is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The company’s brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim, which will host breakfast for the Ride at Manheim Utah on Saturday, April 29, and at Manheim Nevada on Wednesday, May 3.

 

“Our team at Manheim Utah is excited to kick off this inspirational event and cheer on the riders as they begin their journey,” said Cade Rindfleisch, general manager at Manheim Utah. “We look forward to sponsoring the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, especially seeing the joy it brings to the children at Victory Junction.”

 

Petty’s mile-long motor brigade features 225 participants, including 30 new riders, who will enjoy many indescribable views, bucket list items and unforgettable points of interest along this year’s route. Some of the highlights include visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats, lapping the track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, riding scenic Highway 12, Highway 14 and Highway 50, passing through Capitol Reef National Park, exploring Legends Motorcycle Museum, and so much more.

 

Spectators along the 2023 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride’s seven overnight stops or daily pit stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia and make donations.

 

27th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule:

 

• Day 1, Saturday, April 29 – Salt Lake City, Utah to Ely, Nevada
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• Day 2, Sunday, April 30 – Ely, Nevada to Tonopah, Nevada
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• Day 3, Monday, May 1 – “Free Day” in Tonopah, Nevada
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• Day 4, Tuesday, May 2 – Tonopah, Nevada to Las Vegas, Nevada
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• Day 5, Wednesday, May 3 – Las Vegas, Nevada to Cedar City, Utah
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• Day 6, Thursday, May 4 – Cedar City, Utah to Moab, Utah
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• Day 7, Friday, May 5 – Moab, Utah to Salt Lake City, Utah

 

“Nevada and Utah are two of my favorite states to ride motorcycles in. The vast changes in the landscape – from the desert to the red rocks to mountain terrain – paint the most vivid and breathtaking scenes, which I believe are best experienced on a motorcycle. Our riders are in for a picturesque treat along every road we travel, especially on Highway 50 (the loneliest road in America), which we pick up in Ely, Nevada – one of my favorite towns in America,” said Petty. “I consider myself extremely blessed to be able to ride this incredible route while also raising money to send kids to Victory Junction. The Ride allows me to combine my passion for helping others with my love of motorcycles and it is such a special gift.”

 

 

Victory Junction 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. Since it first began in 1995, the Ride has raised more than $20 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities. As a result, the Ride has helped Victory Junction mobilize resources to provide over 115,000 camp experiences for children of all levels of abilities who are living with complex medical conditions at no cost to their families.

 

Among the celebrities participating in the 2023 Ride are NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time champion Richard Petty; NASCAR legends Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace; former Formula 1, Champ Car and NASCAR driver Max Papis; former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker; and NBC Sports NASCAR personality Rick Allen.

 

 

“Any chance I get to spend a week out West, I’m taking it,” said Kyle’s father, Richard Petty. “Add in riding motorcycles and you think, ‘It can’t get better than this.’ Then, you throw in helping the kids at Victory Junction and it’s just the cherry on top. That’s why I always look forward to Kyle’s Ride every year.”

 

The 2023 Ride is made possible by presenting sponsor Cox Automotive, as well as Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Dodge Law, Racing Electronics, WinCraft Racing, FLUIDYNE Racing Products, Petty Family Foundation, Headbands of Hope, Piedmont Moving Systems, Fuel Me, Wiley X, Blue Emu and Goody’s.

 

Keep up with Petty and the Ride on social media at the following accounts:

 

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kpcharityride and www.facebook.com/kylepetty45
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kpcharityride and www.instagram.com/kylepetty
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/kpcharityride and www.twitter.com/kylepetty

 

For more information about the Ride or to donate, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.

 

Utah, we're ready for you! 😊 Less than 2 months until our 2023 #KPCharityRide kicks off in the great state of Utah! Bring on the breathtaking scenery! pic.twitter.com/crXkPivel7

— KylePettyCharityRide (@KPCharityRide) March 4, 2023

About Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

Led by former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is an annual cross-country motorcycle trek that raises funds and awareness for Victory Junction. The Ride is one of the most successful and popular charity events in the country. Since its inception in 1995, more than 8,875 riders have logged nearly 12.6 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised more than $20 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.

 

About Victory Junction

Victory Junction is a year-round camping facility for children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions. Co-founded by Kyle Petty and his family in honor of his son Adam, Victory Junction provides life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a medically-safe environment, always free of charge. In addition to traditional camp sessions, Victory Junction’s REACH program takes camp experiences to children and their families at hospitals, clinics, and in Ronald McDonald Houses throughout North and South Carolina.

 

Since opening in 2004, Victory Junction has delivered more than 115,000 camp experiences and has served children from all fifty states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, as well as four countries. Victory Junction is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network of Camps founded by Paul Newman, and is accredited by the American Camp Association. To learn more, please visit victoryjunction.org. 

 

About Cox Automotive (www.coxautoinc.com)

Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, automakers, dealers, retailers, lenders and fleet owners. The company has 25,000+ employees on five continents and a family of trusted brands that includes Autotrader®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital™ and vAuto®. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with $21 billion in revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on Twitter, CoxAutoInc CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn.

 

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source: Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America PR

Petty GMS and Jimmie Johnson Enter Ownership Agreement

Seven-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Johnson to compete in Limited NASCAR Cup Series Schedule in 2023

 

Petty GMS Owner Maury Gallagher and Chairman Richard Petty, announced today the team has entered into an ownership agreement with seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson.  Additionally, Johnson will compete in a select number of NASCAR Cup Series events in 2023, to include the running of the 65th annual DAYTONA 500.

 

“I couldn’t be happier to have Jimmie Johnson joining Petty GMS,” stated Gallagher “We have been consistent since we began our Cup effort last year in wanting to be up front and have a winning program. No one in the modern era of NASCAR has won more than Jimmie. Having a driver, the caliber of Jimmie, driving our equipment and being able to provide feedback to our crew chiefs and engineers but most importantly, mentoring Erik and Noah will be invaluable. Perhaps most important of all, Jimmie will be a great partner. I know I speak for all the Petty GMS team members, including Richard Petty,  in welcoming Jimmie to the team. No one else will be able to say they have two seven-time Cup champions on their team. We are looking to make a strong statement next year and show that we are here to contend for wins and championships. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

 

 

Petty GMS was formed in December 2021 when Gallagher, a two-time NASCAR Truck Series Championship team owner, purchased Richard Petty Motorsports. Petty, “The King”, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Class member, and the all-time winningest driver in NASCAR history, will continue with the team his family started in 1949. Mike Beam, who began his career with Petty Enterprises as crew chief for Kyle Petty in the early 1980s, will remain in his role as team President.

 

“What an exciting time for Petty GMS,” said Petty. “This year we’ve accomplished so much together with Maury and now adding Jimmie will only continue to help us grow. To have Jimmie - another seven-time champion – as a part of the team, and his abilities both on track and off will be special for Petty GMS. I’m looking forward to having him as a part of our team and seeing what we can build together."

Throwing it back to last week, when team owner was added to my bio. #TBT pic.twitter.com/41Ai7BjOdF

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 10, 2022

"It’s great to be back in NASCAR,” stated Johnson. "When the INDYCAR season ended I started on this journey of what was next. Maury and I connected, this opportunity came to light and it’s the perfect fit for me. Team ownership makes so much sense at this stage of my career and after spending time with Maury and his family, talking with Mike (Beam), Dave (Elenz, crew chief of the No. 43) and Joey (Cohen, Director of Competition and Engineering), I realized this was something I wanted to be involved with from both the business perspective and on the competition side. If I’m going to commit to something like this, I want to make a difference and have something tangible to show for it when it’s all said and done. So, this opportunity with Petty GMS is all of that and much more.”

 

Johnson stepped away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition at the conclusion of the 2020 season after 686 starts with Hendrick Motorsports. He currently ranks sixth on the all-time Cup Series wins list with 83, tied with NASCAR Hall of Fame member Cale Yarborough. Johnson will join 26-year-old driver Erik Jones, who recently scored Petty GMS’ first Cup Series win for the organization in the prestigious Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, and 24-year-old NASCAR Xfinity Series standout Noah Gragson,  who will contend for NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of Year in 2023.

 

“I’m fortunate that I had incredible mentors throughout my life, and I’ve always tried to pay that forward,” said Johnson. “My experience and energy will add value to a team with young drivers like Erik and Noah - I feel like I can be a good resource both on and off the track.”

 

The remainder of Johnson’s racing schedule, partnerships, paint scheme and car number will be revealed at a future date.

 

 

source: Petty GMS Media