Kyle Petty's annual ride making stop in Niagara Falls

By Dave Lukow

Kyle Petty is roaring into Niagara Falls on May 5. The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America – now in its 29th year – will start the day in Cleveland before heading east. Petty’s named the 2025 motorcycle event the “Tour of Wonders,” due to the natural wonders slated to be viewed during the ride.

Things will get started May 3 in Traverse City, Michigan. The finish takes place in Hot Springs, Virginia, on May 9. Overall, seven overnight stops are scheduled for the 225 participants. The group will also spend an off day in Niagara Falls on Tuesday, May 6, before continuing east to Corning the next day.

Since debuting in 1995, the trek has attracted more than 9,350 riders and has raised more than $22 million for Victory Junction and other kids charities. Several big names participate in the journey, but Petty was quick to credit all the riders.

“I consider them all celebrities,” he said.

Along with Petty, other riders known across North America taking part this year are former NASCAR drivers Max Papis, Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace; former college and pro football great Hershel Walker; Hershel McGriff, a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame; TV broadcasters Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood; and legendary driver Richard Petty.

Like McGriff, Richard Petty – who also happens to be Kyle Petty’s dad – is a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He’s 87.

(Photos courtesy of Kyle Petty Charity Ride Inc.)

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Once the starting point and finish for a ride are determined, Kyle Petty and others figure out the route that will be taken.

“We put the middle part together,” Petty said. “We’ll stop for fuel and for lunch. We stop multiple times.”

Feedback from riders plays a key role in saying where a ride will go.

For a long while, Niagara Falls has been a spot many involved want to stop.

“For 28 years, Niagara Falls has been in the top of places listed (by riders),” Petty said.

In addition to Niagara Falls, New York, members of the group will visit the Canadian side on May 6.

(Photos courtesy of Kyle Petty Charity Ride Inc.)

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Petty offered insight regarding what makes the rides so memorable.

“It’s the people you meet,” he said. “They just talk to you. If you’re on a motorcycle, you talk to everybody.”

Given the amount of time Petty’s been around motorcycles, it’s a safe bet his take on the social benefits hits the mark.

“I’ve been riding my whole life,” he said. “It’s kind of a bad habit. Racing was a bad habit, too. I just ride. I just enjoy it.

“It’s great to meet so many cool people.”

When not riding, or providing commentary for NASCAR events, Petty likes spending time with his family.

“I have three little boys,” he said. “It’s great to have the time to spend with them. It’s not about me. It’s about them.”

Located in Randleman, North Carolina, Victory Junction is a camp devoted to enhancing the lives of kids with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions. Through life-changing camp experiences, the goal is for the children to have fun and feel empowered.

The camp is open to those from 6-16. Since opening in 2004, Victory Junction has hosted campers from all 50 states and around the world.

For more information on Victory Junction, go to https://victoryjunction.org/.

For more on Petty and his charity endeavor, visit www.kylepettycharityride.com or follow on: Facebook | X | Instagram.

Click image to enlarge (PDF)

Click image to enlarge (PDF)

Click image to enlarge (PDF)

(Photos courtesy of Kyle Petty Charity Ride Inc.)

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