White Sulphur Springs to host Kyle Petty Charity Ride July 16, 2008

White Sulphur Springs is gearing up to welcome Kyle Petty and more than 250 riders on July 16, 2008.  The Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has announced the route of its 14th annual motorcycle ride, to begin on July 13, 2008.  Nascar driver and Charity Ride founder Kyle Petty will lead a field of more than 250 riders as they wind their way from the Midwest to the Deep South in an effort to raise awareness of and funds for Victory Junction Gang Camp which was founded by Kyle and his wife, Pattie in 2004.  The year round camp serves children, ages 7 to 15, with a variety of health issues that would typically prevent them from attending camp.  The money raised is also used for other children’s charities.

Riders will depart from Traverse City, Michigan on July 13th making overnight stops in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin; Lexington, KY; White Sulphur Springs, WV; Charlotte, N.C; and Peachtree City, GA, before reaching Savannah, GA, their final destination, on July 19th.

White Sulphur Springs Police Chief, James Hylton who secured this event for his hometown is also spearheading the July 16th Kyle Petty Charity Ride stop along with the assistance of a committee chaired by George Henry Lynch.  Main Street White Sulphur Springs is also assisting Chief Hylton and the committee.  “Festivities will begin at 12 noon with a Poker Run, 50/50 raffles, motorcycle show, sidewalk sales, food and more”, explains Chief Hylton. “Kyle Petty Merchandise trailer will be set up at Old White Motors and the Kyle Petty Motorcycle Parade is expected around 4pm with music from Richard Hefner & the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys to follow” Hylton said. 

Since the Charity Ride’s inception in 1995, 5,700 participants have logged more than 7.2 million cumulative motorcycle miles and donated more than $10.5 million to Victory Junction Gang Camp and other charities that support chronically ill children.  “Money to provide Kyle Petty and his riders and their cause has already been raised by WSS Elementary School, the WV Dandelion Festival and local businesses and we continue to raise money for this worthwhile charity” said Hylton. 

For more information on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride and its route, schedules, its charities, special stories and photos, visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.