Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Turns 30

NASCAR luminaries among bikers supporting Victory Junction with nine-day trek.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:46am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring a group of motorcycles in motion, with vibrant neon colors and energetic brushstrokes capturing the dynamic spirit of the charity ride.The 30th anniversary of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will bring together a colorful cavalcade of motorcycles and NASCAR luminaries to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction.Springfield Today

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, with a nine-day, 3,400-mile ride across 11 states to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction, a camp dedicated to providing life-changing experiences for children with chronic and serious medical illnesses. The ride will feature around 150 motorcycles and include appearances by NASCAR Hall of Famers, former drivers, and other celebrities.

Why it matters

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has become an iconic annual event, raising over $23 million for Victory Junction and other children's charities over the past three decades. It provides a unique opportunity for NASCAR fans and enthusiasts to support a worthy cause while experiencing the thrill of a cross-country motorcycle ride alongside some of the sport's biggest names.

The details

The 30th anniversary ride will take place from May 1-9, 2026, starting in Sonoma, California and ending in Charlotte, North Carolina. The route will include stops at notable locations such as Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri, the Coker Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Graceland in Memphis. Riders will also have the chance to tackle the famous 'Dragon' road in the Appalachian Mountains. The ride is working closely with the America 250 initiative to highlight iconic stops and contribute to the 'Our American Story' program.

  • The first Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America took place in 1995, kicking off after a NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.
  • This year's 30th anniversary ride will replicate the original 1995 route, starting in Sonoma, California and ending in Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • The 2026 ride will take place over nine days from May 1-9.

The players

Kyle Petty

Former NASCAR driver and current racing analyst who has orchestrated the charity ride for the past 30 years.

Victory Junction

A camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with chronic and serious medical illnesses, which has been the primary beneficiary of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America since 2004.

Richard Petty

NASCAR Hall of Famer who will be among the celebrities participating in the 30th anniversary ride.

Matt Kenseth

NASCAR Hall of Famer who will be among the celebrities participating in the 30th anniversary ride.

Mike Helton

NASCAR Vice Chairman who will be among the celebrities participating in the 30th anniversary ride.

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What they’re saying

“The reason I am so excited about this year's Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is because this is our 30th year. America 250, the anniversary of our great country's independence... the 100th anniversary of Highway 50—the 'Loneliest Road in America'... the 100th anniversary of Route 66, another iconic highway. There is just so much to celebrate this year.”

— Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR driver and current racing analyst

“Once you go on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, you become part of the Charity Ride family. It's hard to explain to somebody that doesn't understand it. We have around 50 people who have gone 20 years or more on this Ride.”

— Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR driver and current racing analyst

What’s next

Applications for the 2026 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America have already closed, and all 150 rider spots have been filled. The 30th anniversary ride is expected to be a sell-out event, with the ride accepting a record number of new riders in just 72 hours.

The takeaway

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has become a beloved annual tradition that brings together NASCAR fans, enthusiasts, and celebrities to support a worthy cause. Over the past three decades, the ride has raised millions for Victory Junction and other children's charities, demonstrating the power of motorsports to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.