CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Get ready to start your engines motorcycle enthusiasts, NASCAR fans and Victory Junction supporters. Approximately 200 riders will join racing analyst and Charity Ride founder Kyle Petty for the 16th annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America on May 1-9.

The charity ride will travel from Indian Wells, Calif., to Victory Junction in Randleman, N.C., to raise awareness and funds for Victory Junction. Founded by Petty and his wife, Pattie, Victory Junction provides a medically-sound camping experience to children with chronic and terminal illnesses.

Adam Petty

“

Adam's passion for helping children drove him to think of new ways to impact their lives.

”

-- KYLE PETTY

As they travel across the country, the participants will greet fans and supporters at overnight stops in Las Vegas; Richfield, Utah; Durango, Colo.; Amarillo, Texas; Texarkana, Texas; Choctaw, Miss.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Asheville, N.C.

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," Petty said. "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. Dream Teams that attend one of the ride "pit stops" will have the opportunity to present their donation to Petty, which helps to provide these children the memory of a lifetime.

"Adam's passion for helping children drove him to think of new ways to impact their lives," Petty said. "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."

To inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities, please call the Kyle Petty Charity Ride office at (704) 714-4545.