Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Hits the Road on May 1

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is making the final pre-Ride adjustments and preparing for its official departure from Indian Wells, Calif., on May 1. NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty and nearly 200 Ride participants will begin their 3,800-mile trek from California and cross the finish line at Victory Junction Camp in Randleman, N.C. Founded by Petty and his wife, Pattie, Victory Junction provides a medically-sound camping experience to children with chronic and terminal illnesses.  

As they travel across the country, the Charity Ride participants will greet fans and supporters at overnight stops in North Las Vegas, Nev.; Richfield, Utah; Durango, Colo.; Amarillo, Texas; Texarkana, Texas; Choctaw, Miss.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Asheville, N.C. Celebrities scheduled to join Petty for all or part of the Ride include NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Matt Kenseth, legendary NASCAR driver Harry Gant, former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker and supermodel Niki Taylor.

Since the Charity Ride's inception in 1995, more than 6,400 participants have logged more than 9.1 million cumulative motorcycle miles, traveled through 48 states, and donated more than $13 million to Victory Junction and other charities that support chronically ill children. The Petty's opened Victory Junction in 2004 in honor of their son Adam, whose life dream was to help children with terminal illnesses.  

The year-round camp serves children, ages six to 16, whose health issues would typically prevent them from attending camp. Campers attend at no cost to their families, and transportation costs are covered, if needed. The camp operates solely on the donations of corporations, organizations and individuals. As a result of the Charity Ride, more than 7,000 children have attended Victory Junction free of charge. Last year, the Petty's broke ground on a second Victory Junction in Kansas City, Kan.

"With the economy continuing to struggle, these children and their families need our support now more than ever," said Petty. "Victory Junction provides life-changing opportunities for deserving children and their families and it's our hope that we are able to raise funds to impact many lives, despite the current economic challenges. Pattie and I are excited to hit the road with our fellow riders, sponsors and fans again this year. Riding across America provides unforgettable memories and lasting friendships for everyone involved."  

Fans and spectators are encouraged to create "Dream Teams" that work together to host fundraisers in advance of the Charity Ride to help send a child to camp at Victory Junction. Collected donations will be presented to Petty and Ride participants at exclusive Dream Team events in cities along the Ride route. Visit www.kylepettycharityride.com/dream_team to register.

Petty continued, "Adam's passion for helping children drove him to think of new ways to impact their lives. His dream of opening a racing-themed camp for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses lives on today at Victory Junction. Please join us this year in 'Keeping the Dream Alive,' honoring Adam Petty by supporting the Charity Ride."

Sponsors of the 2010 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America include Coca-Cola, Pilot Travel Centers LLC, Racing Electronics, Wincraft Racing and FLUIDYNE Racing Products.  To inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities, please call the Kyle Petty Charity Ride office at (704) 714-4545.

SOURCE Kyle Petty Charity Ride