You know Kyle Petty as the man who tore up NASCAR tracks back in the day. But if you’ve been keeping up with him lately, you’ll know his heart has been racing in a whole different direction.
Now in his 60s, Petty might not be competing for chequered flags anymore, but he’s still leading the pack—this time, on two wheels, with a purpose that runs far deeper than any finish line.
Kyle Petty’s Ride Started with a Spark and a Few Friends
The 29th edition of his famous ‘Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America’ will wrap up today, and let’s just say—it wasn’t your average road trip. From breath taking views to pit stops packed with meaning, the ride brought together hundreds of riders, NASCAR legends, and communities all across the country for one big cause: giving kids with chronic illnesses a chance to feel like kids again.
Way back in 1994, Petty and a few of his buddies decided to ride their motorcycles from North Carolina all the way out to Phoenix for a race. More and more riders joined in along the way, and by the time they hit the West Coast, the crew had grown to around 30 people. That little spark fueled Petty to create the charity a year after.
Every year since then, riders hop on their bikes and roll out across the U.S., raising money and smiles wherever they go. And the main reason behind it all is ‘Victory Junction’—a camp founded in memory of Petty’s son, Adam Petty, who tragically passed away in 2000. It’s a place where children with serious medical conditions get to enjoy summer camp like every other kid.
Victory Junction opened its doors in 2004 and has already created many unforgettable camp experiences. And thanks to this ride, the camp’s been able to keep doing that year after year, totally free for the families.
A Tour of Wonder and Warm Hearts
This year’s ride kicked off in Traverse City, Michigan, and will wrap up today in Hot Springs, Virginia, covering more than 1,400 miles in just a week. Along the way, the riders stopped at amazing places like Niagara Falls, the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, and even got to take a spin around the track at Watkins Glen International.
During the week-long ride, communities came out to cheer them on and fans came out to meet the NASCAR veterans.
Petty wasn’t alone out there either. NASCAR legends like Richard Petty, Ken Schrader, Kenny Wallace, and even Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood joined in. These aren’t just guest appearances—rather real supporters of the cause. And Petty, always one to share a good moment, posted a few heartfelt photos on X, giving fans a peek into the journey.
“Every year I’m reminded the @KPCharityRide isn’t only about the miles but these guys who join in to help make a difference,” wrote Petty. Last year, the ride raised a whopping $1.8 million. Since the beginning, it’s brought in over $22 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.
When you see Petty these days, you see more than a former driver. You see a man still racing—only now, he’s racing toward something that really matters. And with each mile, each hug from a fan, and each dollar raised, that finish line keeps getting sweeter.