After two-plus years of postponements, the 26th edition of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is set to roll on, with a seven-day route announced Tuesday to raise funds and awareness for the Victory Junction camp.
The ride is scheduled April 30-May 6, starting in Phoenix and making a loop of roughly 1,500 miles through Arizona and Utah. Approximately 225 participants are signed up for the weeklong event, which is presented by Cox Automotive.
The Charity Ride celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced postponements in each of the last two years. The organization held the Charity Ride Revival last September, creating an abbreviated three-day version of the event with scenic trips through Virginia and West Virginia. A virtual fundraiser was held in 2021.
As with previous editions of the event, several celebrity riders have plans to participate. Former drivers Richard Petty, Donnie Allison, Harry Gant, Hershel McGriff and Ken Schrader are scheduled to ride, along with NBC Sports broadcaster Rick Allen.
“We’ve been planning this 26th Anniversary Ride since the end of our 2019 event, and patiently waiting for the right time to gather again amidst the coronavirus pandemic,” Kyle Petty said. “So now, nearly three years in the making, I’m beyond thrilled to finally get our riders back together for an exciting adventure in Arizona and Utah. This year’s Ride is all about stopping to see some of the beautiful places we’ve ridden by in the past, mixed with a few new places for our riders to explore. Together, we will create memories to last a lifetime. And it’s all for the kids at Victory Junction! We ride so that deserving kids get to experience the magic of camp.”
The 2019 edition of the Charity Ride raised $1.7 million and sent 128 children to Victory Junction, which provides life-changing recreational experiences for children with serious medical conditions. More than 8,200 children have attended the camp at no cost as a result of the Charity Ride’s contributions.
For more information, visit kylepettycharityride.com.