SENATOR SMITH JOINS RACING ICONS AND CELEBRITIES
IN LOUISVILLE FOR 'CHARITY RIDE ACROSS AMERICA'

The annual ride supports camp designed to support children with severe and chronic medical conditions.

FRANKFORT, KY (May 8, 2024)—Kyle Petty's 28th annual charity motorcycle ride has successfully reached Louisville, marking a significant moment in its journey from South Dakota to North Carolina. An afternoon event in Louisville was highlighted by the participation of Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard—who is riding in the full charity ride route—and other leaders who joined racing legends Kyle Petty and Richard Petty for the charity ride.

Smith presented Kentucky Colonel and Kentucky Admiral certificates to the participants, recognizing their efforts and contributions through this enduring charity initiative. 

"This annual event is not only for an incredible cause but also engages the community," Smith said. "I'm honored to participate in today's event in Louisville and to ride alongside these patriots and philanthropists."

The inspiration for the ride originated in 1994 when Kyle Petty and three friends rode their motorcycles from North Carolina to a NASCAR race at Phoenix International Raceway. The group grew and inspired Petty to expand this journey into the now-celebrated Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America.

Spanning over 2,100 miles, the ride focuses on raising funds for Victory Junction—a camp to support children with severe and chronic medical conditions. This camp, honoring Kyle Petty's late son Adam, provides free experiences for affected children and their families. Since 1995, the event has raised over $21 million for various children's charities, fostering substantial community support and involvement, now with added recognition from local government officials like Sen. Smith.

This year's ride features several celebrity riders, including:

  • Richard Petty: NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time champion,

  • Hershel McGriff, NASCAR Hall of Famer,

  • Former NASCAR Drivers Kenny Wallace, Mike Wallace, David Ragan, and Ken Schrader,

  • Max Papis, NASCAR, Champ Car, and sports car racer,

  • Herschel Walker, Heisman Trophy winner and NFL legend,

  • TV personalities Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood.

For those interested in supporting or participating in future rides, more information can be found at kylepettycharityride.com/ and on the event's Facebook Page.

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Senator Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, represents the 30th Senate District, including Bell, Breathitt, Estill, Johnson, Lee, Leslie, Magoffin, Morgan, Perry, Powell, and Wolfe Counties. He is Senate Natural Resources and Energy chair. Smith is also a member of the Senate standing committees on Banking and Insurance; Transportation; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and is a Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection member. 

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Smith, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate130.jpg.

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