Scenic tour kicks off in Carlsbad, Calif., concludes in Daytona Beach, Fla.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. Feb. 11, 2014 – The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America announced today the course for its 20th Anniversary Ride. From Saturday, May 3 through Saturday, May 10, 2014, more than 175 riders will embark on the cross-country motorcycle trek, which begins in Carlsbad, Calif. and travel more than 2,800 miles before reaching Daytona Beach, Fla. 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.”
Communities along the route are encouraged to show support for the riders, meet Petty and also contribute to the Charity Ride’s “Small Change. Big Impact.” program that benefits children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
In the past 10 years, more than 7,730 children with health issues that would typically prevent them from attending Camp have attended Victory Junction at no cost to their families, thanks to the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. Since its inception by the Petty family in 2004 in honor of their late son Adam, the Camp has served as the Ride’s primary beneficiary.
The 2014 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is made possible by presenting sponsor Manheim, as well as Coca-Cola, Dodge, Pilot Flying J, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Racing Electronics, FLUIDYNE Racing Products, WinCraft Racing, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, the Petty Family Foundation, and Original Bike Spirits ®.
Manheim is a proud sponsor of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride and we fully support its cause,” said Nick Peluso, Manheim senior vice president of customer management. “It was amazing to see all of the children and families who came to support the Ride last year. We’re happy to be making positive changes in the lives of children with chronic illnesses.”
To follow Kyle Petty and the riders live, visit www.facebook.com/KPCharityRide or on Twitter and Instagram, @KylePetty and @KPCharityRide.
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 $15 million to Victory Junction Camp and other children’s charities.
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.
About Manheim
Manheim is the world’s leading provider of vehicle remarketing services and data intelligence. With more than 100 locations around the globe, Manheim provides consulting services, industry reports, financial services, customer support and educational offerings, helping customers compete efficiently and effectively in today’s used vehicle marketplace. Annually, Manheim handles nearly eight million used vehicles, facilitating transactions worth more than $50 billion in value. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, a leading communications, media and automotive services company. For more information, visit www.manheim.com.
