A total of 225 riders participated in all or parts of the 1,500 miles across Arizona and Utah to raise funds to send kids to Victory Junction Camp.
- This year’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America raised more than $1.8 million.
- The 26th anniversary ride netted the largest amount raised since 2006.
- Funds raised on the ride pay for children to attend Victory Junction camp, building projects and maintenance.
Kyle Petty won eight NASCAR Cup Series races in his 30-year career between 1979 and 2008.
Petty is still racking up victories, and his latest triumph came with the announcement on Monday that this year’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America raised more than $1.8 million. The 26th anniversary ride netted the largest amount raised since 2006 for Victory Junction camp in Randleman, N.C.
The camp serves children with chronic and serious medical illnesses. Funds raised on the ride pay for children to attend the camp, building projects and maintenance.
This year’s ride was a 1,500-mile loop that began on April 30 and ended on May 6. The route started in Phoenix, Ariz., rolled through Utah and returned to Phoenix.
For the first time in its history, the Charity 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.
“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.”
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 sponsors, organizations, and the riders themselves.
RIders make a lap at Phoenix Raceway as part of this year’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America.
Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America
“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.”
Riders who rode all or part of the route this year included 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.
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.
Keyword: Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.8 Million