Kyle Petty Charity Ride Heads East for 2018
The 24th annual charity ride lets you meet tons of celebrities and donate to a very worthwhile cause!
Kyle Petty is a man who wears many hats. The son of legendary NASCAR driver Richard Petty, the younger Petty followed in his father’s footsteps and carved out a nice stock car career for himself. Today, he’s living the dream in “retirement” as an NBC Sports racing analyst. But Petty, a big-time motorcycle enthusiast, is also doing a lot of good with his annual Charity Ride across America.
The whole thing started way back in 1994, when Petty and three of his friends rode their bikes from North Carolina to Phoenix International Raceway. By the time the group arrived at their destination, the group had grown to 30 riders. That feeling of camaraderie inspired Petty to create something much larger, something that would help those less fortunate. Thus, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America was born.
Since 1995, over 8,175 riders have accumulated 11.9 million miles and raised over $18 million for Victory Junction and various other children’s charities. Petty started Victory Junction back in 2004 in honor of his late son Adam. The charity reaches out to children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Those children are able to participate in fun and memorable camping experiences.
This year, the charity ride returns to the East Coast for the first time in 7 years. The ride kicks off in Portland, Maine on May 5 and ends in Greensboro, North Carolina on May 11. A grand total of 225 participants will cover nine states and 1,200 miles in those seven days. Along the way, the group will get to take victory laps at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Pocono Raceway, visit Woodstock, tour the Martin Guitar Factory, Harley-Davidson Factory and Petty Museum, and visit the world’s largest auto auction in Manheim Pennsylvania.
This year’s celebrity guests include Richard Petty, NFL great Herschel Walker, and NASCAR personality Rutledge Wood. Fans are encouraged to greet Petty and his special guests at any of the many stops along the way. It’s there that they can purchase memorabilia and make donations to this great cause. You can find more information on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, including a full schedule, by heading over here!
