Cross-country motorcycle trek has raised more than $16 million for Victory Junction Gang Camp
NBC Sports NASCAR analyst and former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty will lead 200 motorcyclists along the seven-day / 2,500 mile route — stretching from Santa Cruz, California, to Branson, Missouri — to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction, a camp created to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
“Each year, we select a route that’s full of breathtaking scenery, while also allowing us to spread the word and build excitement around our mission along the way,” Petty said. “Year after year, the Ride creates lasting memories for our riders, most importantly, it provides life-changing opportunities for children at Victory Junction.”
The bottom line, of course, is charity. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Ride has raised more than $16 million for the Petty family’s Victory Junction Gang Camp and other children’s-related charities. The 84-acre camp near Greensboro, N.C., is for children suffering from terminal or chronic diseases that disqualify them from mainstream camp.
The Petty family opened it in 2004 to honor the late Adam Petty, Lee’s great-grandson, Richard’s grandson and Kyle’s son. Just 19, Adam was killed during a single-car practice crash at Loudon, N.H., on May 12, 2000.
As a result of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, 7,815 children have attended Victory Junction at no cost to their families. The camp has served as the ride’s primary beneficiary since its establishment by Kyle Petty in 2004 in honor of his late son Adam.
“We’d love to have as many members of the community to come out and join us at the fuel stop,” said Liza Jones, public relations for the ride. “Kyle will be on hand to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.”
Last year, NASCAR Race Mom (NRM) was luckily enough to meet up with Kyle Petty and his best buddy Rutledge Wood before the 2014 Charity Ride in Carlsbad, California.
This year’s plan is to join the group for a day in Bakersfield. NRM participate in the event by purchasing ride memorabilia and of course to make a donation to Victory Junction.
About Victory Junction
Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children, ages six to 16, with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Co-founded by the Kyle Petty family, in honor of his son, Adam Petty, the camp is located in Randleman, North Carolina. Victory Junction exists to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment, always free of charge.
This year, many celebrities plan to participate in all or part of the 21st Anniversary Ride, including:
- Richard Petty, NASCAR hall of fame and seven-time champion
- Matt Kenseth, NASCAR driver
- Harry Gant, NASCAR legend
- Donnie Allison, NASCAR legend
- Herschel Walker, former NFL great
- Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer
- Rick Allen, NBC Sports NASCAR analyst
- Rutledge Wood, co-host of History Channel’s Top Gear America and NASCAR personality
