The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has 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 cross- country motorcycle trek, which begins in Carlsbad, Calif. and travels 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.
