LEVEL CROSS, N.C. (April 21, 2016) -- For the first time in its history, Kyle Petty will be joined by his three sisters and legendary father during the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, one of the most successful and popular charity rides in the country, for its 22nd annual motorcycle trek.
Petty will ride alongside his sisters, Sharon, Lisa, Rebecca and father, "The King" Richard during the ride presented by Manheim. The ride engages celebrities, motorcycle enthusiasts, fans, and local communities to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction, a camp for kids with serious health care needs.
Petty will lead his wife, father, sisters and his extended "charity ride family" of approximately 200 riders on a route starting in Palm Springs, California on April 30 and ending in Biloxi, Mississippi on May 6.
"We've been doing this for over 20 years and I've never had all my sisters and father with me on the ride," said Petty. "So, that makes this ride even more special for our family. We've all been busy doing different things, but this year we were all able to get this on everyone's calendar. Family, friends, having a good time together and making memories is what this ride is all about and having all my sisters and father with us will make the experience that much better. I'm really looking forward to it."
The ride will be supported through social media channels by Richard Petty Motorsports, Richard Petty Museum, Petty Family Foundation and Petty's Garage. Fans can visit these respective Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites for photos of the ride along its route.
Twenty two years ago, Petty combined his passion for helping others with his love of motorcycles to create the Ride. Since 1995, more than 7,750 riders have logged 11.4 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised $16.5 million for Victory Junction and other children's charities.
"The Ride continues to be an overwhelming success thanks to the passion and commitment of our riders and sponsors, a majority of which join in the Ride and support the cause year over year," said Petty. "Thanks to their continued support, the Ride has been able to send more than 7,880 children to Victory Junction at no cost their families."
Since its inception by Petty and his family in 2004, in honor of his son Adam Petty, Victory Junction has served as the Ride's primary beneficiary. Located on 84 acres in Randleman, North Carolina, Victory Junction exists to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating camping experiences that are memorable, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound.
Fans and spectators along the Ride's route may contribute to the "Small Change. Big Impact." program, which accepts donations at local stops.
To keep up with Petty and the riders live, follow the Ride and Petty on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kpcharityride and www.facebook.com/kylepetty45
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kpcharityride and www.instagram.com/kylepetty
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kpcharityride and www.twitter.com/kylepetty
For more information about the 22nd Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America or to make a contribution, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.