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

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Crosses Nine States on 2024 Ride

NASCAR’s Kyle Petty will lead 150 motorcycles more than 2,100 miles on a week-long trek from South Dakota to North Carolina, ending at Victory Junction to celebrate the camp’s 20th anniversary. 

 

Former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty is hitting the open road once again to lead the 28th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America – one of the most popular charity rides in the country. From May 4 – 10, 2024, Petty will lead 150 motorcycles across nine states on a seven-day trek, covering more than 2,100 miles in an effort 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.

 

Presented by Cox Automotive, the Ride will kick-off in Deadwood, South Dakota, on Saturday, May 4 and will end in Greensboro, North Carolina on Friday, May 10 with a celebratory homecoming at Victory Junction. Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider and is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The company’s brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim, which will host breakfast for the Ride at Manheim Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 8.

 

“Our team is beyond excited to host Kyle and the riders at Manheim Indianapolis for breakfast during their 28th Anniversary route,” said Chuck Werner, general manager for the Louisville-Indianapolis Market Center. “It means so much for us to be included in this inspiring event and we look forward to helping the Ride send many deserving kids to Victory Junction.”

 

Petty has a jam-packed route planned for the 2024 Ride’s 250 participants, including 30 new riders. In fact, Petty has coined this adventure “The AmerICON Ride,” to pay homage to the iconic American attractions featured on this year’s Ride. Some of the highlights include visiting Mount Rushmore National Monument, stopping at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, exploring Churchill Downs – home of the Kentucky Derby, touring the legendary National Corvette Museum, visiting Bristol Motor Speedway, and so much more.

 

Spectators along the 2024 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride’s seven overnight stops or daily pit stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia and make donations. 

 

28th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule:

• Day 1, Saturday, May 4 – Deadwood, South Dakota to North Platte, Nebraska
• Day 2, Sunday, May 5 – North Platte, Nebraska to Omaha, Nebraska
• Day 3, Monday, May 6 – Omaha, Nebraska to Bettendorf, Iowa
• Day 4, Tuesday, May 7 – Bettendorf, Iowa to Indianapolis, Indiana
• Day 5, Wednesday, May 8 – Indianapolis, Indiana to Bowling Green, Kentucky
• Day 6, Thursday, May 9 – Bowling Green, Kentucky to Bristol, Virginia
• Day 7, Friday, May 10 – Bristol, Virginia to Greensboro, North Carolina

 

“This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Victory Junction, so I immediately knew we had to bring the Ride back to camp to celebrate this incredible milestone. After all, the Ride has been there since Victory Junction’s inception, as a founding supporter in 2004, and has remained the largest cumulative donor,” said Petty. “From riding the Black Hills of South Dakota and crossing the mighty Mississippi River to visiting iconic American landmarks, we are going to experience some truly incredible places on this year’s Ride, but none more so than ending back ‘home’ at Victory Junction – where we can see so many deserving kids light up with happiness and experience the magic that lives at 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. 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.

News out today! @kylepetty will lead 150 motorcycles on a week-long trek from South Dakota to North Carolina. This year's Charity Ride celebrates Victory Junction's 20th anniversary! Follow along @KPCharityRide and https://t.co/TFccZmMdls pic.twitter.com/7oBaFkNjWO

— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) February 27, 2024

Among the celebrities participating in the 2024 Ride are NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Hershel McGriff; former NASCAR drivers Max Papis, David Ragan, Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace; former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker; and TV personalities Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood.

 

The 2024 Ride is made possible by presenting sponsor Cox Automotive, as well as Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Dodge Law, Racing Electronics, WinCraft Racing, Petty Family Foundation, Headbands of Hope, Piedmont Moving Systems, Wiley X, Prevost, Blue Emu, Goody’s and Kelderman Manufacturing.

 

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.

 

source: Kyle Petty Charity Ride Media

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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Welcome Cotten Cable Petty

Kyle Petty, the former NASCAR driver and current NBC Sports analysts, and his wife Morgan have welcomed their second child, a baby boy today. Kyle and Morgan were married in 2015. Formerly Morgan Castano, Petty’s wife served as the executive director of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, the annual cross-country motorcycle trip that fundraises for the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

View this post on Instagram

WE'RE HAVING A BABY! Overton is going to be a Big Brother this coming August! We all love each other so much, but there's more love to come! We are Blessed.

A post shared by Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) on Mar 11, 2020 at 3:30pm PDT

21st Kyle Petty Charity Ride Leaves Santa Cruz on Saturday (#nascar)

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 

Visit kylepettycharityride.com/donate.php to contribute

For more information, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.

The King to Model?

We’ve seen “The King” do a lot for Charity, but we’ve never seen him as a fashion model! Rumor has it that you will find Richard Petty walking the runway at the Petty Family Foundation’s “Hot Pass to Fashion” Challenge & Red Carpet event at UNC Greensboro on Saturday!

Click Here For tickets

20th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride #NASCAR

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride will begin its 20th Anniversary Ride in Carlsbad,
California next month and embark on the cross-country motorcycle trek
 and travel more than 2,800 miles before reaching Daytona Beach, Florida.

It's Here!

Former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty is gearing up for his 20th Anniversary Ride Across America! From May 3-10, Petty will lead more than 200 participants - including several celebrities- from Carlsbad, California to Daytona Beach, Florida to raise awareness and funds for Victory Junction.

NASCAR Race Mom will be eagerly attending the Motorcycle Ride Kickoff this Saturday.  Be sure to check back here on Sunday for event photos and interviews.

If you are in the Carlsbad, California area, please stop by to support these modern day children's champions.

Remember that you can click here to win an Kyle Petty Autographed Event T-Shirt and Cap!

Help support Petty and the Riders as they embark on their first ever coast-to-coast tour!

Your donation to Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Inc. will help support thousands of children with life-threatening illnesses that attend Victory Junction, other charitable organizations, and various children's hospitals. 

There are three easy ways to make a donation. (And that doesn't even count visiting them at a pit stop during the ride!)

Click Here to Donate Online 

Call the 888-45-PETTY telephone number

Make your check out to:
     Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Inc.
     125 Floyd Smith Drive, Ste. 45
     Charlotte, NC 28262

Drivers for 2014 Pro/Celebrity Race

Olympic Champion Carmelita Jeter, Academy Award Winner Adrien Brody and Turbocharged Personalities Including Phil Keoghan and Corbin Bleu Get Behind the Wheel for Charity

LONG BEACH, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 6, 2014) - Grand Prix Association of Long Beach officials announced today the 20 participants from film, television, music and sports who will compete in the 2014 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro/Celebrity Race. The 38th annual charity race will take place April 12 on the 1.97-mile street course in downtown Long Beach, Calif., as part of the 40th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend.

The field of racers will take to the streets in 210-horsepower Scion FR-S race-prepped cars navigating high speeds and demanding turns to benefit "Racing for Kids," a national fundraising program supporting children's hospitals throughout the United States. The announced field of intensely competitive individuals includes:

 

Sam Witwer (Aidan Waite from "Being Human") is just one of the fifteen
celebrity drivers for the 2014 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro/Celebrity Race.

 

•Eric Braeden (@EBraeden): Emmy award-winning daytime superstar most recognized as Victor Newman on the popular soap opera "The Young and the Restless."

•Adrien Brody: Academy award-winning actor for his role in "Pianist." Most recently seen in "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and Academy Award-winning "Midnight in Paris."

•Corbin Bleu (@CorbinBleu): Actor, model, dancer, producer and singer-songwriter who performed in the "High School Musical" film series and was the first runner-up in the 2013 Fall season of "Dancing with the Stars."

•Brett Davern (@BDavv): Actor who stars as Jake Rosati in MTV's hit series "Awkward." Other credits include the films "Movie 43" and "Born to Race: Fast Track."

•Colin Egglesfield (@CEgglesfield): Actor best known for his roles on "Rizzoli & Isles," "The Client List," and "Melrose Place," plus films such as "Open Road," and "Something Borrowed."

•Carmelita Jeter (@CarmelitaJeter): American sprinter and three-time Olympic Gold medalist, often dubbed "the fastest woman in the world."

•Cole Hauser (@ColeHauser): Television and film actor who stars with Johnny Depp in the soon to be released "Transcendence." "Olympus Has Fallen" and "A Good Day to Die Hard," are among his other action film credits.

•Tricia Helfer (@TrutriciaHelfer): Actress recently seen in the television show "Killer Women," she also starred in "Battlestar Galactica" and "Burn Notice."

•Phil Keoghan (@PhilKeoghan): Emmy award-winning New Zealand-born television personality best known for his role as host of the popular series "Amazing Race."

•Vanessa Marcil (@VanessaMarcilM): Actress best known for her roles in "General Hospital," "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Las Vegas."

•Brian McKnight (@ItsBMcKnight): Multiple Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, producer and R&B musician.

•Lisa Stanley (@LisaKearth): Entertainment reporter on K-EARTH 101 FM morning show with Gary Bryan. Also featured on TV's "Hard Copy" and radio's "Rick Dees Show."

•Max Thieriot (@MaxThieriot): Actor who currently stars as Dylan Massett on "Bates Motel." Other credits include the film "House at the End of the Street" and "Catch That Kid."

•Nick Wechsler (@Nick_Wechsler): Actor seen currently on ABC's "Revenge" as Jack Porter. He also starred in "Roswell" and had recurring roles on "Without a Trace" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

•Sam Witwer (@SamWitwer): Portrays vampire Aidan Waite on the North American remake of "Being Human." He was also seen on "Battlestar Galactica" and "Smallville."

Pro drivers competing against the stars include former NASCAR racer and FOX personality Kyle Petty, the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, two-time CART Series Champion and overall winner of the 1985 and 2009 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race Al Unser Jr. and Rutledge Wood, 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race celebrity winner, auto racing analyst on Fox Sports 1 and co-host of "Top Gear USA."

"This is an exciting and competitive group of stars, athletes, musicians and pro drivers that will put on a great show," said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association. "It's fitting that we will have such a great field for the Pro/Celebrity Race during our 40th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend. And thanks to Toyota, the Pro/Celebrity Race gives back to kids in our communities through donations to Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach and Children's Hospital of Orange County."

Rounding out the field are charity auction winner Doug Fregin, co-founder and former vice president of operations for Research in Motion (RIM) and Dr. William Pinsky, founder and president of "Racing for Kids."

Since 1991, Toyota has donated more than $2 million to the "Racing for Kids" organization on behalf of this race and its participants.

Fans can follow the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, Twitter @ToyotaGPLB (#TGPLB40) and Instagram at ToyotaGPLB.

 

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#NASCAR Icon - Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

Route Announced For 20th Anniversary Motorcycle Trek - This year the Scenic tour kicks off in Carlsbad, California and concludes in Daytona Beach, Florida. Carlsbad is just a few miles away from NASCAR Race Mom’s home!

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America announced the course for its 20th Anniversary Ride. From Saturday, May 3 through Saturday, May 10, 2014, more than 175 riders will embark on the crosscountry motorcycle trek, which begins in Carlsbad, California and travel more than 2,800 miles before reaching Daytona Beach, Florida.

Founded by former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty, the Ride raises funds and awareness for Victory Junction, a Camp created to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life threatening illnesses.

“What began as just a few friends having a good time riding track to track has turned into what we have today, which is an incredible event that provides thousands of life changing experiences for children,” said Petty. “This is the first year we’ve traveled straight from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, and I’m looking forward to experiencing it with friends, while meeting our fans and generous supporters along the way.”

The 2014 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Schedule:

• Day 1 Saturday, May 3 - Carlsbad, Calif. to Tucson, Ariz.
• Day 2 Sunday, May 4 - Tucson, Ariz. to Las Cruces, N.M.
• Day 3 Monday, May 5 - Las Cruces, N.M. to Midland, Texas
• Day 4 Tuesday, May 6 - Midland, Texas to Austin, Texas
• Day 5 Wednesday, May 7 - Austin, Texas to Beaumont, Texas
• Day 6 Thursday, May 8 - Beaumont, Texas to New Orleans
• Day 7 Friday, May 9 - New Orleans to Tallahassee, Fla.
• Day 8 Saturday, May 10 - Tallahassee, Fla. to Daytona Beach, Fla.

This year NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven time champion Richard Petty, NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth, former NASCAR driver and Bo-Dyn Olympic bobsled founder Geoff Bodine, NASCAR legends Harry Gant and Donnie Allison, former NFL great Herschel Walker, Fox News contributor and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives Col. Allen West, and co-host of History Channel’s Top Gear America and NASCAR personality Rutledge Wood plan to participate in all or part of the 20th Anniversary Ride.

“It’s amazing to see how one tragedy (Adam Petty’s death) can turn into something so incredible like Victory Junction,” said Kyle Petty’s father Richard. “After five years, it’s great to be back on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride to support Kyle and the Camp – just in time for the 20th Anniversary.”

About the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCRAA)

Led by former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty, the KPCRAA raises awareness and funds for Victory Junction. The KPCRAA is one of the most successful and popular charity events in the country. Now in its 20th year, more than 7,330 riders have logged more than 10.7 million cumulative motorcycle miles and donated nearly $15 million to Victory Junction Camp and other children’s charities.

Mission Statement:  To sponsor fundraising activities and promote community awareness for the benefit of children with serious illness or injury.

About Victory Junction

Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children, ages six to 16, with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by the Petty family in honor of their son Adam, the Camp is located in Randleman, N.C. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment.

As a not-for-profit organization, the Camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, foundations, organizations and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. Since the Camp’s inception, more than 19,000 children and families have received not only a circle of support but experiences thought to only be possible by healthy children. Victory Junction is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network of Camps founded by Paul Newman, and is accredited by the rigorous guidelines of the American Camping Association. To learn more about Victory Junction, visit www.victoryjunction.org.

Happy Birthday Adam

Happy Birthday Adam
You are missed & You are remembered 

When Victory Junction opened in Randleman, N.C., in 2004 in honor of their son, Adam, Kyle and Pattie Petty envisioned a place of happiness, joy and life-changing camping experiences that would be free of charge to children and families. From this vision, Victory Junction was formed.

Victory Junction is a year-round camping facility that serves children, ages 6 to 16, with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. During the summer, Victory Junction offers disease-specific sessions with up to 128 children per session. During the fall, winter and spring, family weekends are offered to up to 32 families per weekend.

Victory Junction is a member of the SeriousFun Network founded by Paul Newman and is accredited by the rigorous guidelines of the American Camping Association. 

Click here to check out Victory Junction.

Father's Day is a day honoring fathers and celebrated on the third Sunday of June. This special day celebrates both fatherhood and the importance of male parenting. Of course my favorite NASCAR Father / Son Duo would have to be my very own husband and son.

Moses Smith and his father Paul

"My earliest memories are of my dad working on his street/drag car or building his sand rail in the garage," Moses said. "He was always involved in motorsports as a hobby and I thought it would be cool if I could do it for a living," Smith said.

Paul has always been an all-encompassing family man and constant source of support for his two sons. Moses started working with his father, in a race team garage by the age of three.

However, for second place, the Earnhardts and Pettys tie as favorite NASCAR Fathers and Son.

Dale Earnhardt Sr. & Dale Earnhardt Jr. 

(photo credit = msn.foxsports.com)

Dale Sr. won a record-tying seven NASCAR championships during his career; his 76 wins place him fourth of all time. His career was highlighted by his memorable first victory at the Daytona 500 in 1998. (Sadly, the driver of the No. 3 car died after a crash on the final lap at Daytona in 2001.)

Dale Jr. has carried on his father's driving legacy, making his debut on the Winston Cup circuit in 2000. In 2003, he finished third in the championship standings, and in 2004, Dale Jr. won the Daytona 500 six years to the day after his father's victory there.

Cool fact: When Dale Sr. and sons Dale Jr. and Kerry all competed in the 2000 Pepsi 400, it marked just the second time a father had raced against two sons.

Lee & Richard Petty

Lee, Richard, Kyle, and Adam Petty
(photo credit = nascar.speedtv.com)

Lee Petty was NASCAR's first real superstar, winning three drivers' championships between 1954 and 1959. He also won the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959. He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1990.

Richard Petty shares the record for most drivers' championships, having won seven between 1967 and 1979. He retired in 1992 with 200 career wins (the most ever) and joined his dad in the Hall of Fame in 1997. (Sadly, the Pettys suffered the loss of Adam Petty, NASCAR’s first fourth-generation driver on May 12, 2000. The young driver was practicing for the Nationwide Series at the New Hampshire International Speedway when his throttle stuck wide open, causing the car to hit the outside wall.)

Cool fact: Both Pettys were named among the Top 50 NASCAR drivers of all time in 1998.

Honorable Mention

Butch Gilliland, the 1997 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion and winner of 13 victories in the division. His then-crew chief, son David Gilliland, currently competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. David Gilliland still runs an occasional K&N Pro Series race. Butch must have raised him right, because David is one of the most polite and approachable drivers I have had the pleasure of meeting.

NASCAR Race Mom with a very nice David Gilliland at Sonoma Raceway (6/24/2011)

Cool fact:  David Gilliland, driver of the No. 38 Ford Fusion for Front Row Motorsports in the Sprint Cup Series, had a career-best second-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway in April 2013, pushing his teammate David Ragan to a surprising win.

Child, you outgrew my lap,
but never my heart.
Happy Father’s Day!

Tony StewartCoca-Cola Racing Google+ Hangout

Tony Stewart getting ready to answer a question from NASCAR Race Mom

Did you attend the Google+ Hangout with Coca-Cola Racing Family Championship contenders Greg Biffle, Tony Stewart, and Denny Hamlin? If not you can still view the entire event by watching the YouTube version below.

Denny Hamlin, Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle, Kyle Petty, Elliott Sadler, Cassie Laberee, Niki Nikolopoulos,  Tom Rolfson, Valerie Anderle, and Bob Pockrass, were in attendance. While NASCAR Race Mom was not chosen to participate live, I was allowed to submit a question. Additionally, NASCAR Race Mom’s blog contest winner’s question was also asked.

Both our questions were answered by NASCAR Star, Tony Stewart. 

NASCAR Race Mom: As a NASCAR Race Mom myself, I recently enjoyed a photo of your mom participating in a go-kart. You {Tony}, looked about eight years old and served as her starter. What advice did you give your mom before that powder puff event and how did she finish?

Tony Stewart: She actually won that day, but I did not give her any advice. My dad was the one that was giving her the advice. I just didn’t want her to get hurt because I wanted to be sure that she cooked dinner that night. Nah she may have been the one of my parents that actually had the driving talent. She was pretty good when she would run those races at the go-kart track. It was a lot of fun. I know exactly the picture that you are talking about. I was probably 8 or 9. It was something that we did not get to do a lot of, but that was one thing as a family that we did; my sister, my mother, my father and I, we all went go-kart racing together when I was young. We had a lot of good times.

Nancy S (Blog Contest Winner): After viewing the wreck in Talladega, “Do you ever get scared?”

Tony Stewart: No, I am scared of not being in a race car in all reality. I have been racing for thirty-three years now and it just part of racing; it is just part of what happens. The worst part of that was that I was the one who made the mistake that caused twenty-four other guys to have a bad day. That was probably what worried me more than just being in the wreck itself.

You can see the entire Google+ Hangout with Coca-Cola Racing Family Championship contenders below:

*** Disclosure: Coca Cola Racing and NASCAR Race Mom, support ethical blogging and strict adherence to the FTC guidelines pertaining to free samples and gifts. As a participant in a Coca Cola Racing campaign, NASCAR Race Mom was compensated by Coca Cola Racing via product. However, NRM would have been pleased to share this news with my readers without said compensation. ***