Kyle Petty and a group of motorcycle-loving friends stopped at the New River Gorge Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing on Thursday as they rode through town for the 2021 Charity Ride Revival.
Petty, former NASCAR driver and current NBC sports analyst, brought his racing legend father, Richard, along for the ride.
This three-day ride is a miniature version of Petty’s “Charity Ride Across America” and featured stops in Bedford, VA, Seneca Rocks, WV, and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in Fayette County.
The purpose of the ride is to raise money for Victory Junction, a NASCAR-themed camp that gives kids with serious illnesses the chance to have fun and forget about being sick.
The Petty family founded Victory Junction, located in Randleman, NC, following the passing of Kyle’s son, Adam. The camp first opened in 2004.
“Something like 90,000 kids and their families have come to Victory Junction,” Kyle Petty said as he met fans and signed autographs at the visitor center. “That’s what this ride is about. It’s about sending kids there—kids with chronic illness and kids with serious medical issues.”
In addition to raising much-needed funds, Petty said that he enjoys getting out and riding with old friends.
He explained that his reason for choosing a stop near the New River Gorge Bridge wasn’t for the scenery, which he said is nice, but he chose his stop for the people and the fans.
“People are amazing. People of this area are truly welcoming,” Petty said.
Richard Petty stated that he is happy to be back in West Virginia, even though the weather has been a bit chilly and wet since his arrival.
“It’s good to get back and see the fans who supported us all these years,” Petty said.
For more information about the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.
