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

If I Could Give Vicory Junction Anything . . .

it would be lots of Love and a Rollercoaster

 

When Kyle Petty and his family founded Victory Junction to honor his son Adam’s legacy, they never imagined that, two decades later, more than 135,000 life-changing camp experiences would have impacted children and families from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and four countries—each camp experience a story of courage, healing, and hope.

 

It’s a day at the track you won’t want to miss! 🏁

Join us Friday, November 21 at @VIRNow for Charity Laps and a 43-minute pit stop with The King 👑 @therichardpetty

Grab your pit stop ticket through the link below!🎟️https://t.co/Gw1o9RnRSv pic.twitter.com/pLdpgepb95

— Victory Junction (@VictoryJunction) November 5, 2025

Victory Junction is more than a camp. It’s a medically safe, fully accessible “home away from home” where children with medical and physical needs can do things they never thought possible like ziplining and riding horses. Where kids can sing around campfires and build friendships that last a lifetime.

 

And, with your support, Camp will remain a place where kids can be kids – where they laugh, play and grow in confidence. Where they experience adventure, find belonging, and grow in confidence.

 

Make a gift today and help fuel the power of possibility for Victory Junction campers. Your generosity ensures Camp remains completely free for children and their families while creating thousands of life-changing experiences filled with courage, joy, and belonging.

 

Click below to hear campers share their heartfelt answers to “If I could give Victory Junction anything this holiday season, it would be…” — and make your gift today!

 

Watch and Donate Wonder

 

On a personal note: NASCAR Race Mom (me) has been supporting Victory Junction for years; both as a monthly contributor and media advocate. I was lucky enough to take a tour of the facility in 2017 - it did not disappoint! 

 

source: Victory Junction PR Media

Frankie Muniz Raising $25,000 to Send Kids to Victory Junction

NASCAR Driver Frankie Muniz Recently Visited Camp and Felt Inspired to Help

 

NASCAR driver, Frankie Muniz, also known for his acting career, has started a social media campaign to raise $25,000 to send 10 kids to Victory Junction, a year-round camp that offers fun, life-changing experiences to children living with complex medical and physical needs.

 

 

Muniz, who races the number 33 Ford F-150 for Reaume Brothers Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, visited Victory Junction on August 5, to participate in the Camp’s NASCARnival, a weekly celebration during summer camp that features hot air balloons, games, fun snacks, and an actual NASCAR-style pit stop. During the celebration, Muniz drove Victory Junction’s race car while a pit crew changed tires in front of cheering campers.

 

In one of his recently posted social media videos which features highlights of his trip to Camp, Muniz said, “I recently visited Victory Junction and met some kids whose courage and joy inspired me to help. This is your chance to help kids have fun, find community, and build confidence they’ll carry long after their time at Camp.”

 

Those interested in supporting Muniz’s campaign can visit

www.VictoryJunction.org/Frankie

to learn more and make a donation.

 

At Victory Junction, kids build courage, make friends, and discover their own incredible potential. This camp truly changes lives. Help me raise $25k to send 10 kids to camp. Donate today! https://t.co/7Lykm2ssZL pic.twitter.com/2l2sLo8B1U

— Frankie Muniz (@frankiemuniz) August 14, 2025

About Victory Junction

Victory Junction is a year-round camp for children living with complex medical and physical needs. Founded by Kyle Petty and family in honor of his son Adam, Victory Junction provides life-changing experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering in a medically safe environment – always free of charge, thanks to the generosity of donors and corporate partners. Victory Junction programming is designed to build confidence and foster independence, helping children, families, and caregivers find belonging and build skills that fuel their journeys far beyond Camp. In addition to onsite sessions, Victory Junction’s OUTREACH program delivers Camp experiences to children in hospitals, clinics, and community partner sites throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. Since opening in 2004, Victory Junction has provided more than 139,000 experiences to children from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and four countries. Victory Junction is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, founded by Paul Newman, and is accredited by the American Camp Association. To learn more, please visit victoryjunction.org. 

 

 

source: Victory Junction Media

The Year of SeriousFun

Victory Junction invites communities to join the mission of empowering children with serious and chronic medical conditions.

 

Victory Junction, part of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, proudly joins camps worldwide on January 26 to honor what would have been Paul Newman’s 100th birthday by proclaiming 2025 as “The Year of SeriousFun.”

 

Today marks SeriousFun founder Paul Newman’s 100th birthday.

In honor of Paul’s enduring impact, good humor, and generosity, we’re celebrating all year long. Stay tuned for ways you can help carry on Paul’s vision and get involved with #TheYearOfSeriousFun. #PaulNewman #HBD pic.twitter.com/QgIPbiPPqE

— SeriousFun (@SeriousFunCamps) January 26, 2025

Newman, the iconic actor and visionary philanthropist, founded the first SeriousFun Camp, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, in 1988 to create a place where children with serious and chronic medical conditions could escape the challenges of their diagnoses and simply be kids. Newman’s heartfelt belief that children deserved a space to “kick back and raise a little hell” has since grown into a global movement. Today, the SeriousFun Children’s Network includes 30 camps and programs worldwide, that have provided over two million transformative experiences to children and their families – all completely free of charge.

 

 

Victory Junction’s origin story can also be traced to a heartfelt vision. In 1999, after visiting a SeriousFun camp in Florida, racecar driver Adam Petty wanted to create a similar camp experience for children in North Carolina. Tragically, Adam’s life was cut short in a racing accident the following year. Determined to honor Adam’s dream, his father Kyle Petty united the NASCAR community, friends, and generous donors to establish Victory Junction in 2004. Newman, along with dozens of NASCAR drivers, attended Victory Junction’s grand opening.

 

“At Victory Junction, we believe every child deserves to dream big, laugh loudly, and embrace life’s adventures,” said Chad Coltrane, CEO of Victory Junction and Chair of the SeriousFun CEO Council. “We are committed to delivering unforgettable experiences that build confidence, foster independence, and celebrate the unique potential of every child – all at no cost to them or their families.”

 

Victory Junction invites the community to join in celebrating “The Year of SeriousFun” by volunteering, donating, and participating in events throughout the year. Applications are now open for campers, volunteers, and staff for upcoming spring and summer camps. Volunteers and staff, including medical professionals, college students, and retirees, play a vital role in creating transformative experiences for children and their families.

 

Victory Junction is proud to be part of the @SeriousFunCamps, founded by Paul Newman to bring joy to kids with serious medical conditions 🌟 This year, we honor his 100th birthday & the Year of SeriousFun! Donate today to support the joy!https://t.co/zIk6zj6Loe pic.twitter.com/xVRcPnj3gg

— Victory Junction (@VictoryJunction) January 22, 2025

On A Personal Note

This blogger is an avid supporter of Victory Junction, both as a monthly contributor and media advocate.

 

NASCAR Race Mom had the privilege of touring the Victory Junction Camp in May of 2017. The camp's purpose "to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering; all in a medically-safe environment at no cost to the camper or their family" is evident everywhere. The photos below were taken on that tour.

 

Rooms inside the Body Shop mirror Regular Cabin Rooms

The Welcoming Reception Desk in the Body Shop

NASCAR Race Mom inside the Victory Junction Sports Complex

 

 

source: Victory Junction Media

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction

225 participants completed a week-long scenic journey, traveling 1,500 miles across Nevada and Utah to raise funds to send kids with chronic medical illnesses to camp at Victory Junction

 

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America today announced it raised more than $1.7 million after completing its 27th Anniversary Ride, which took place April 29 – May 5, 2023. Funds raised directly benefit Victory Junction – a camp in Randleman, North Carolina servicing children with chronic medical illnesses. The Ride’s donation supports summer camperships, building projects and maintenance programs – including upkeep of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Water Park.

 

Former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty led more than 125 motorcycles on a seven-day trek, covering over 1,500 miles across picturesque scenes in Nevada and Utah. The Ride started and ended in Salt Lake City, and made overnight stops in Ely, Tonopah, Las Vegas, Cedar City and Moab.

 

All along the Ride’s 2023 route, fans came from miles around to welcome the Ride, meet celebrity riders and support the cause. Highlights included visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats, venturing down the loneliest road in America (Highway 50), taking off-road Jeep tours in Tonopah, shutting down Las Vegas Boulevard with a police escort to The Mirage, lapping the track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, riding scenic Highway 12 and Highway 14, passing through Capitol Reef National Park, receiving the first-ever key to the city in Hanksville, exploring Legends Motorcycle Museum and so much more.

 

“We had a phenomenal Ride! But I knew all along that Nevada and Utah would not disappoint. These are two of the most beautiful states to ride motorcycles in,” said Petty. “Everywhere we stopped, we were greeted with open arms from fans near and far. And we also had a handful of Victory Junction campers come out to see us along our route. Seeing their excitement and gratitude for our riders is incredible. It really puts into perspective what and who we are riding for. All of our miles lead to all of their smiles!”

 

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.

 

Funds were gathered from fans along the route, as part of the Ride’s “Small Change. Big Impact.” program, as well as donations made by generous sponsors, organizations, and the riders themselves.

 

“We could not do what we do each year on the Ride without the generosity of our sponsors,” said Petty. “Some of our sponsors have been a part of the Ride since the very beginning. They do so much more than just make contributions to support our cause. From providing gifts to our riders to funding meals, fuel and/or activities, they have a genuine passion for making the Ride a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

 

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, Wiley X, Blue Emu, Goody’s and Fuel Me.

 

We are proud to announce that our 2023 #KPCharityRide raised more than $1.7 million, which will help support summer camperships, building projects and maintenance programs at @victoryjunction! Cheers to another incredible year!

Read more: https://t.co/9zBqm1UKga pic.twitter.com/2vm9yFFAyI

— KylePettyCharityRide (@KPCharityRide) May 23, 2023

This year’s Ride also featured several celebrity riders, including NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time champion Richard Petty; NASCAR legends Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace; former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker; and NBC Sports NASCAR personality Rick Allen.

 

To look back at Petty and the riders’ journey, check out their posts on social media:

 

• 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 27th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America or to donate, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.

 

Gallery

 

 

source: Kyle Petty Charity Ride Media

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.8 Million for Victory Junction

225 participants completed one of the Ride’s most scenic routes ever, traveling 1,500 miles across Arizona and Utah to raise funds to send kids with chronic medical illnesses to camp at Victory Junction

 

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Riders at Phoenix Raceway

 

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America today announced it raised more than $1.8 million after finally completing its 26th Anniversary Ride following two postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks the most funds raised during a single Ride since 2006! Funds raised directly benefit Victory Junction – a camp in Randleman, North Carolina servicing children with chronic and serious medical illnesses. The Ride’s donation supports summer camperships, building projects and maintenance programs – including upkeep with the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Water Park.

 

For the first time in its history, the Ride started and ended in the same city: Phoenix, Arizona. Former NASCAR driver and NBC Sports racing analyst Kyle Petty led 225 participants on one of the Ride’s most scenic routes ever. On April 30, Petty and the riders left Phoenix, riding more than 1,500 miles through Arizona and Utah over seven days before returning to Phoenix on May 6.

 

The @KPCharityRide raised more than $1.8 MILLION to send kids to @VictoryJunction on its 26th Anniversary Ride! We are proud to support this cause and can’t wait to see all the fun these kids have at Camp! Read more: https://t.co/E1owqBdrnv

— Cox Automotive (@CoxAutomotive) June 22, 2022

 

All along the Ride’s 2022 route, fans came from miles around to welcome the Ride, meet celebrity participants and support the cause. Multiple mayors made appearances, presenting proclamations and/or keys to the city. In addition, the Ride was honored to meet members of the Hualapai Tribal Council and Navajo Nation Tribal Council in Peach Springs and Cameron, Arizona. Other highlights include seeing a “Wild West” staged gun shootout in Oatman, Arizona, riding historic Route 66, visiting Grand Canyon National and Bryce Canyon National Park, seeing the entire student body of Monument Valley High School lining the streets to cheer on the Ride in Monument Valley, Utah, taking Jeep tours through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, lapping the track (twice!) at Phoenix Raceway, and more.

 

“After being sidelined for nearly three years due to COVID, we were eager to get back on the road and get back to doing what we love,” said Petty. “I was completely blown away by the excitement seen amongst our Riders and fans all along the route. We saw some of the most beautiful scenery this country has to offer, met some amazing people and experienced so many incredible bucket list places. But most importantly, we reignited our passion for riding and raising funds for the kids at Victory Junction…that’s what it’s always been about!”

 

Here at VJ, you don't have to look far to see NASCAR influence everywhere...including the ceilings! While in the theatre, you can check out different hoods to race cars- all far above your head! Sometimes looking for "magic" #InsideCamp isn't too hard, just have to look up!👀 pic.twitter.com/n4j9JQ57sK

— Victory Junction (@VictoryJunction) June 16, 2022

 

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 1995, 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.

 

Funds were gathered from fans along the route, as part of the Ride’s “Small Change. Big Impact.” program, as well as donations made by generous sponsors, organizations, and the riders themselves.

 

 

“The generosity of our sponsors is incredible. Without them, we simply could not do all the things we do each year on the Ride,” said Petty. “Not only do they make contributions to our cause, but these companies and their people show so much excitement and go above and beyond to help make our Rides truly the ‘Ride of a Lifetime,’ by supplying one-of-a-kind memorabilia, hosting delicious meals and fun activities for our Riders, and more!”

 

The 2022 Ride was 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, Wiley X, Blue Emu and Goody’s.

 

This year’s Ride also featured several celebrity riders, including NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time champion Richard Petty; upcoming Class of 2023 NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Hershel McGriff; NASCAR legends Harry Gant and Ken Schrader; current NASCAR Cup Series driver Erik Jones; and NBC Sports NASCAR personality Rick Allen.

 

To look back at Petty and the riders’ journey, check out their posts on social media:

 

• • 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 26th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America or to donate, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.

 

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 105,000 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 Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using vehicles easier for everyone. The global company’s more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Dickinson Fleet Services, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of nearly $20 billion.

 

Photo Gallery

 

 

source: PR Release

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Set for its 26th Anniversary Southwestern Adventure

After being postponed twice, 225 riders will finally complete one of the Ride’s most scenic routes, traveling more than 1,500 miles to raise money and awareness for Victory Junction

 

 

Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Inc. today announced it will finally complete its 26th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America after being sidelined for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From April 30 – May 6, 2022, former NASCAR driver and NBC Sports racing analyst Kyle Petty will take 125 motorcycles on a Southwestern adventure, fulfilling one of the most scenic routes in the Ride’s history. Considered one of the most successful and popular charity rides in the country, the Ride will travel through picturesque scenes across Arizona and Utah.

 

Presented by Cox Automotive, the Ride will begin in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 30 and return to Phoenix on May 6 – making this the first time ever the Ride has started and ended in the same city. Cox Automotive makes buying, selling, owning and using vehicles easier for everyone and is one of the world’s largest automotive services providers. The company’s brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim, which will host the Ride for a kick-off breakfast at Manheim Phoenix on April 30.

 

“Leaving the world better than we found it and fostering a culture of giving back is at the very core of who we are,” said Gus Jones, general manager, Manheim Phoenix. “The Manheim Phoenix team is incredibly excited to host the riders and celebrate the start of another great journey to raise money and awareness for Victory Junction.”

How cool is my helmet for this year’s @KPCharityRide? Thank you @tonyjarrett67 for creating this custom Southwestern themed design! pic.twitter.com/THbgfaCqMZ

— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) April 29, 2022

Petty will cover more than 1,500 miles on a seven-day trek along with approximately 225 participants, including nearly 40 new Riders, all to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction – a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious medical illnesses. Some of the highlights on the 2022 route include lapping the track at Phoenix Raceway, riding historic Route 66, visiting Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, seeing the Grand Staircase and Humphries Peak, and so much more.

 

Spectators along the 2022 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride’s seven overnight stops or daily fuel stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia and make donations.

 

26th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule:

• Day 1, Saturday, April 30 – Phoenix, Arizona to Lake Havasu City, Arizona 
• Day 2, Sunday, May 1 – Lake Havasu City, Arizona to Flagstaff, Arizona 
• Day 3, Monday, May 2 – Flagstaff, Arizona to Bryce Canyon City, Utah 
• Day 4, Tuesday, May 3 – Free Day 
• Day 5, Wednesday, May 4 – Bryce Canyon City, Utah to Monument Valley, Utah 
• Day 6, Thursday, May 5 – Monument Valley, Utah to Sedona, Arizona 
• Day 7, Friday, May 6 – Sedona, Arizona to Phoenix, Arizona

 

“We’ve been planning this 26th Anniversary Ride since the end of our 2019 event, and patiently waiting for the right time to gather again amidst the coronavirus pandemic. So now, nearly three years in the making, I’m beyond thrilled to finally get our Riders back together for an exciting adventure in Arizona and Utah,” said Petty. “This year’s Ride is all about stopping to see some of the beautiful places we’ve ridden by in the past, mixed with a few new places for our Riders to explore. Together, we will create memories to last a lifetime. And it’s all for the kids at Victory Junction! We ride so that deserving kids get to experience the magic of Camp.”

All of our new riders with @kylepetty and our Motor Marshals after completing our Safety First course! pic.twitter.com/YnVyIRiUDD

— KylePettyCharityRide (@KPCharityRide) April 28, 2022

Because of the Ride, more than 8,210 children have attended Victory Junction at no cost to their families. On its 25th Anniversary in 2019, the Ride raised $1.7 million and sent 128 children to 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.

 

Among the celebrities participating in this year’s Ride are NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time champion Richard Petty; NASCAR legends Harry Gant, Hershel McGriff, Donnie Allison and Ken Schrader; and NBC Sports NASCAR personality Rick Allen.

 

“I used to spend a lot of time in the Southwest with my late wife, Lynda, and we were always blown away by the beautiful places we saw,” said Kyle’s father, Richard Petty. “I’ve cleared my whole schedule to participate in the full duration of this year’s Ride because I’m so excited to see some of those places again and, this time, share them with Kyle and his family.”

 

The 2022 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, 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
• 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.

 

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 8,650 riders have logged 12.4 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised more than $19 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 100,000 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 Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using vehicles easier for everyone. The global company’s more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Dickinson Fleet Services, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of nearly $20 billion.

 

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Victory Junction / Campfire Chat

Hello Friends of Happy Campers!

Richard Petty (King of #NASCAR) at Victory Junction

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a summer camp counselor? Or, what happens long after the summer ends? Former counselor Olivia shared this...

 

I started college knowing that I wanted to go to medical school but wasn't sure what specialty I might want to pursue. After my first year of college at UNC, I decided to volunteer at camp as a barn and cabin counselor and I had the time of my life!

 

I had never felt such joy in my life.

 

Seeing kids, who are often denied the simple joys of childhood, get to ride a horse, fly down a zip line, and swim in the lazy river is special beyond measure. It was here that I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to Pediatrics and give as many kids as possible the same opportunity to engage in the childhood activities that everyone deserves.

 

During my time at camp, I grew in so many ways. I learned to be creative in adapting activities. I learned how to fill 5 hour rain delays with fun and excitement. I had the honor of being trusted by campers to talk about the challenges they face every day.

 

But most of all, I learned that life is all about perspective.

 

I met hundreds of children who face immense challenges year in and year out, yet they demonstrate incredible resilience and joy. This lesson, and many others, have stuck with me and I have carried it through my education and work, passing it on to many people that I meet.

 

It is difficult to explain all that Victory Junction has done for me.

 

Camp is my home and my community, and there is truly nothing better than spending a summer at the happiest place on Earth. While camp is a physical place, it is truly more of a feeling. And it is our responsibility to carry camp magic and happiness wherever we go.

 

Olivia was a volunteer in 2014 and part of summer staff from 2015 to 2018. Now in her third year at medical school, she hopes to return to Victory Junction in the future as part of the seasonal medical team.

 

Your support provides unique opportunities for campers, counselors, and volunteers to come together. Between the thrills of the zipline and laughter in the water park, there are moments of learning - where kids know they aren't so different, where the importance of inclusion is clear, and where futures are forged to create a better world for everyone. 

 

Thank you for being part of our community of love, acceptance, and hope. Together, we are building a better world for everyone. 

 

On A Personal Note

This writer is an avid supporter of Victory Junction, both as a monthly contributor and media advocate.  

 

NASCAR Race Mom had the privilege of touring the Victory Junction Camp in May of 2017. The camp's purpose "to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering; all in a medically-safe environment at no cost to the camper or their family" is evident everywhere. The photos below were taken on that tour. 

 

The photos below were taken on that tour.   

 

Rooms inside the Body Shop mirror Regular Cabin Rooms

The Welcoming Reception Desk in the Body Shop

NASCAR Race Mom inside the Victory Junction Sports Complex