Drew Charlson

“I can’t wait to get to Daytona for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200. We are so thankful to Aluma Trailers, AgriGold Seed and Heitkamp Crop Insurance for giving us this opportunity. With the increased sponsorship dollars, we were able to purchase a car from Richard Childress Racing. This car has visited victory circle at Daytona and Talladega so we know that we have the equipment to be a contender” said Charlson. Daytona is the biggest race on the ARCA schedule, and the list of former winners includes Benny Parsons, Kyle Petty, Ryan Newman and Kyle Busch. “I really feel we can join the ranks of ARCA winners this year. We tested Daytona in December and ended up 8th fastest of over 50 cars so we are very confident in our ability.”

Aluma Aluminum Trailers (Bancroft, Iowa) is a relatively new company that produces light weight, strong, rust free trailers for many purposes. With over 60 models of open utility and enclosed cargo trailers to choose from, you are sure to find a perfect trailer for any need. Today, Aluma builds an average of 50 trailers a day and ships them to all 50 states and Canada. Aluma Trailers also feature an all inclusive five year warranty on all of their products, the best in the industry! “Aluma has provided us with amazing trailers to transport our race cars. We log tens of thousands of miles annually and could not be happier with our trailers. They pull so smooth and easy that sometimes I forget they are behind me. They have the most complete aluminum utility and recreational trailer line in America and we couldn’t be more pleased to expand our relationship with them” added Charlson.

Charlson is also proud to welcome AgriGold Seed Company (The Corn Specialists) and Heitkamp Crop Insurance on board. “If you are a farmer, you already know about AgriGold Seed. If not, you are missing out. I recommend you plant those AgriGold Giants and then see John Heitkamp for all your crop insurance needs. Because of these new marketing relationships, as well as our ongoing relationship with Elmer Schaeffer Amsoil Dealer and Mid America Properties, we are able to step up our racing program to levels only dreamt of in the past!”

Charlson will be running a limited ARCA schedule this year. Confirmed races include the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, Talladega ARCA 250 at Talladega Superspeedway on May 4th, and the Iowa ARCA 200 at Iowa Speedway on July 13th. All of these races will be televised live on SPEED channel. More races may be added as sponsorship allows. Charlson will also be running the full Main Event Racing Series Outlaw Late Model schedule, where he finished 6th in points last year. He has had a successful racing career so far with over 150 kart wins and 17 championships, 5 USAC Midget Feature wins and a runner up points finish. He also set a USAC record as the youngest driver (age 13) in his 1st USAC National Level Midget race, the Ft. Wayne Rumble indoor, qualifying 15th, winning his heat and finishing 6th behind NASCAR veteran Tony Stewart.

For more information, please call Heitkamp Crop Insurance at 419-305-4798 or visit www.alumaklm.com, www.agrigold.com, and www.drewcharlson.com.

- D C Racing Team Press Release

Andy Belmont Racing (ABR)

“I can’t wait to get the season going,” Kile said. “They’ve really set the bar high at Andy Belmont Racing, so it’s a tremendous challenge to take it to the next level. I believe our ModSpace team will come out of the blocks fast. This race team will start the year in full stride.”

Kile joins the team that won the prestigious Bill France Four Crown Award, finished fifth in ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards driver points with Chad McCumbee and sixth in car owner points.

The Westlake, La., native won a race and finished fifth in driver points in 2010 while driving for Bill Venturini.

The February 18th race at Daytona has been the traditional ARCA Racing Series opener since 1964 and Belmont as been coming to the World Center of Racing as a driver or owner since 1985. Team owner Jennifer Belmont has been fielding cars at Daytona since 1992. She believes Kile has the talent and desire to make ModSpace and Andy Belmont Racing a championship contender.

“I’m confident we’ll be in the championship hunt all year,” Belmont said. “Mikey is the driver I believe can make us a contender in our flagship car. He’s always been fast at Daytona, so we’re confident he will get us off to a good start. Everyone on this race team has spent a lot of hours making sure he will have a good car. Mikey will do the rest.”

Mikey Kile

ModSpace (http://www.modpace.com) returns as the primary sponsor for ABR for the third consecutive season.

Daytona is the biggest race of the ARCA season, and the list of former winners includes: Benny Parsons, Kyle Petty, Tim Richmond, Mike Wallace, Ryan Newman and Kyle Busch.

Belmont is ready for his 28-year-old driver to add his name to that list.

“ModSpace is always excited to start the season at Daytona,” William Mann, vice president of ModSpace Motorsports, said. “The history and energy that comes with this historic track always creates an exciting race! We are looking forward to seeing Mikey get behind the wheel the No. 1 ModSpace Ford and deliver a top-notch finish.”

“The entire team had a successful test at Daytona and they came back with a lot of notes to make the car even better,” Kile said. “This is an exciting time for everyone involved with this ModSpace race team. We’re all eager to get it started at Daytona. We will also be testing a new car at Talladega Superspeedway at the end of this month. ”

Team haulers will arrive at Daytona on Tuesday, February 12. Following a day of inspection on February 13, Kile will practice on February 14 and qualify a day later. The 80-lap main event is February 16 at 4:30 p.m., and it will be broadcasted live on SPEED.

About ModSpace:

Modular Space Corporation (ModSpace), based in Berwyn, Pa., is a leading provider of modular buildings, portable storage and services for temporary and permanent space needs. With more than 40 years of experience, ModSpace serves a diverse set of customers and markets through a network of 80 branches throughout the United States and Canada. http://www.modspace.com

About Andy Belmont Racing (ABR):

Andy Belmont Racing is a competitive and respected motorsports operation who fields race cars in the ARCA Racing Series. ABR has been serving the motorsports community and winning for nearly 25 years. AndyBelmont.com

- Andy Belmont Racing Press Release

SPEED Logo

NASCAR RACEDAY

Petty: “This isn’t all about Kyle Busch … there is a massive ripple effect. There’s people that pay money to come to this race track to see Kyle Busch sit in that race car.”

Wallace: “I’ve been defending Kyle Busch since 2005 … I can’t defend him anymore.”

Not surprisingly, NASCAR’s parking of Kyle Busch Saturday and Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway dominated the talk in the garage and on NASCAR RaceDay Built by The Home Depot Sunday on SPEED.

SPEED analyst Kyle Petty was quite vocal in his scrutiny of the repercussions that Busch’s parking for his actions in Friday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Texas have beyond immediate effect on his team and his spot in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point standings. Kenny Wallace, a fulltime NASCAR Nationwide Series driver and SPEED analyst who religiously has defended Busch over the years, also took the driver to task for his actions.

Following are excerpts from Petty and Wallace’s discussion on NASCAR RaceDay with host John Roberts.

Roberts: What did you think of Busch’s apology letter?

Petty: “This isn’t all about Kyle Busch. I think Kyle got lost in all this. ‘This is all about me.’ This is not all about Kyle Busch. It’s about his family; it’s about NASCAR; it’s about that team; it’s about his sponsors and as important as anything, it’s about these people you see behind me (the fans) and these people that sit in the grandstands and buy these products and buy his souvenirs. There is a massive ripple effect. There’s people that pay money to come to this race track to see Kyle Busch sit in that race car. There’s a company out there- multiple companies – that pay money to bring that race car here. Kyle Busch’s actions spoke louder than his words. I appreciate his apology, but I think Kyle really has to read that apology and think about what that apology means and take those words and turn them into actions. So far this weekend, his actions have spoken a lot louder than his words have.”

Wallace: “I’ve been defending Kyle Busch since 2005. I’m one of his biggest fans. If you’ve ever watched this show, I’m like, ‘Give him a break. He’s a great race car driver.’ Well, I can’t defend him anymore. He’s one of the greatest talents of all time and I get that. That’s why this is so disappointing to me. We’ve been talking this year about how this is a new Kyle Busch. He’s changed. Well, you know what? This is a big step backwards. I’m going to be rooting him on to overcome this. We’ve been waiting for this great race car driver to take control of this sport and be like a Jeff Burton. We’ve been waiting for Kyle Busch to run the garage area. Why? Because he’s an incredible talent. Wouldn’t it be great to have this incredible talent, a great race car driver, match skills inside the garage and say, ‘Hey guys, we can’t be doing that?’ So, this is a big step backwards. I’ll be rooting him on, but I think this one is going to take two, three, four, five years to see if we can get him back to help lead this sport into the next years.”

Roberts: Is the punishment enough?

Petty: “No, I don’t think the punishment is enough. But I thought Carl Edwards should have sat down for three weeks also (after the Atlanta incident with Brad Keselowski). That was Kyle’s (Petty) opinion. That was Kyle’s opinion, not the opinion of this network (SPEED) or any of its affiliates or anyone else. My opinion because I thought that was as blatant an incident as I’d ever seen – coming out of the garage area and wrecking Brad (Keselowski). This incident ranks right there with it. I don’t say it’s any worse than that incident, but I think those are two marks where when NASCAR says, ‘We’ll know it when we see it,’ I think they saw it once and didn’t act on it. I think they acted this time.”

Wallace: “I agree with Kyle (Petty) on this one. I agree the punishment fits the crime. I’m going to go as far as to say there may be more reaction from Joe Gibbs Racing. When does it come the time that the team takes responsibility for the driver? Right now, NASCAR is doing all the ruling. The biggest topic I’ve seen on Twitter is ‘Why is this different than what Carl Edwards did to Brad Keselowski?’ Kyle Busch has been warned. He’s been on probation. He’s been in a lot of trouble and I feel like NASCAR has said he’s out of control; we’ve got to get control of this. Carl Edwards has always been a good guy and has been good for this sport except for that one moment.”

- SPEED, Press Release

SPEED TV

Petty:

SPEED analyst Kyle Petty took a minute out of this week’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Tuesday to call into NASCAR Race Hub on SPEED (Monday through Thursday at 7 p.m. ET) to share his thoughts on the $25,000 fine and four-race probation NASCAR handed down to Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick earlier in the day.

Following is the transcript from Petty’s phone interview on NASCAR Race Hub:

On whether he is comfortable with the fine and penalty:

Petty: “I think they (NASCAR) should give Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch four weeks in the Bahamas and they should pay them $25,000. Here’s what I didn’t like about it … when Regan (Smith) won the race and they came around, those guys missed pit road for whatever reason, and they sat on the race track. FOX followed them and watched them do their circles. Then FOX watched them come down pit road. We had an in-car camera of Kevin Harvick trying to get the steering wheel off, trying to put the steering wheel on talking to his crew on the radio. The wide shot of the two cars. And I don’t know how much time elapsed but finally Kevin gets out of the car and goes back to say something to Kyle, and when he does, Kyle drives off, pushes his car out of the way.

“Here’s my problem with that: Where are the NASCAR officials to stop that from happening in the first place? Why wasn’t there a call made from the tower to come down? Keep Kevin in his car, keep Kyle in his car and bring it to the trailer and we’ll talk about it when this thing is over with. But NASCAR didn’t step in, they didn’t stop it from escalating, they let it escalate and they let it escalate on national TV. Now they want to fine these two guys and penalize them and put them on probation. I think NASCAR needs to take some of the blame for letting that happen. If this was the NBA or the NFL or Major League Baseball, once someone does something, the umpire or referee steps in. In our sport, the officials did not step in, so you can’t totally blame the athletes, and if going to blame them, you need to re-look at how you do stuff.”

About SPEED™
SPEED, anchored by its popular and wide-ranging coverage of NASCAR, is the nation’s first and only cable television network dedicated to automotive and motorcycle racing, performance and lifestyle. Now available in more than 82 million homes in North America, SPEED, a member of the FOX Sports Media Group, is among the industry leaders in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services. For more information, please visit SPEED.com, the online motor sports authority.

About FOX Sports Media Group
FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets under Chairman & CEO David Hill. Built with brands that are capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FSMG now includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 19 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus; FUEL TV; and Fox College Sports. In addition, FSMG also includes FOX Sports Interactive Media, which comprises FOXSports.com on MSN, whatifsports.com and scout.com, reaching over 20 million unique visitors monthly. Also included are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network, FOX Sports Skybox restaurants and FOX Sports Grills.

- SPEED, Press Release

SPEED TV

Below are excerpts from Tuesday’s NASCAR Race Hub in which NASCAR President Mike Helton and SPEED’s Kyle Petty, Mike Joy and Rick Allen analyze the nominating committee’s selections:

SPEED analyst Kyle Petty on H. Clay Earles:

“It’s the longest continuing operating race track on the NASCAR circuit and he was a part of that until his death. He was there. I remember when we used to go up there and my father would ask for tickets. You had to go into Clay’s office and he personally gave you tickets. That was his contact with the drivers. He always knew the drivers’ names. He always knew their faces and he was always there to help those guys out. This sport wouldn’t be where it is if it wasn’t for guys him and race tracks like Martinsville.”

SPEED analyst Kyle Petty on Bobby Isaac:

“I grew up watching those guys racing. David Pearson and Bobby (Isaac) were really close – probably as close as any two drivers on the circuit during that period of time. It was always funny to be nine or 10 years old and hang out with him and Pearson and The King and those guys in the garage area and listen to them talk. Bobby said very little but when Bobby spoke, everyone listened, and that’s the way he was on the race track. Bobby in that No. 71 – that K&K Dodge that they drove and Harry Hyde was the wrench guy on. Prettiest car in the world. I love Petty blue but I loved that orange car. I remember going on the Northern tour up through Islip (N.Y.) and all those places, he was a threat to The King and Pearson week in and week out. When you look during that period of time at the top two or three drivers, he always was one or two during that time of ’68, ’69, ’70, ’71. That’s a big statement for him. He and Pearson kind of shied away from the press. I’ve heard Pearson say since that time, ‘If I’d known the sport would get to where it is, I’d have been nicer to fans or hung out with people more and been more accessible to the media.’ Isaac wasn’t that way. He and Pearson would go off together, they’d have dinner, they’d hang out with Barney Hall. That’s just the way they were. They came to the race track for one purpose and that was to win the race and take the trophy and the money home and that’s the way they drove every day until they got out of a race car.”

SPEED/FOX Sports announcer/NHoF Voting Panel member Mike Joy on Cotton Owens:

“Cotton Owens – pure genius. The man was a great car owner and a great mechanic.”

SPEED announcer/NHoF Voting Panel member Rick Allen on Cotton Owens:

“These were guys that didn’t have fitted seats. We’re still talking about guys who would strap a belt around their waists and that was about it. They raced in a different era. They were ironmen. They competed every week, sometimes multiple times in a week. It was just a different time. I don’t think you always have to look at statistics when you’re talking about drivers, owners or crew chiefs. I think you’ve got to look at what they gave to the sport and what they brought to the sport. You look at guys like Fred Lorenzen and Cotton Owens as definitely deserving of being in the Hall.”

SPEED announcer/NHoF Voting Panel member Rick Allen on Les Richter:

“I look at Les Richter and I think, ‘Here’s a guy who spent most of his life on the West Coast and this was a sport that started off predominantly as a Southeastern sport.’ So, it really brought the nation together a little bit to have Les Richter involved with NASCAR – he came in as the track owner/promoter and then worked with NASCAR.”

SPEED/FOX Sports announcer/NHoF Voting Panel member Mike Joy on Les Richter:

“He was a pivotal figure behind the scenes. It seems like our list is getting a little heavy with administrators but certainly Les had a lot to do with NASCAR’s success in that era.”

SPEED announcer/NHoF Voting Panel member Rick Allen on Leonard Wood:

“The Wood Brothers are synonymous with NASCAR. The Wood Brothers and NASCAR go hand-in-hand. What they did for NASCAR is … when we’re sitting on our couch watching a race and a car comes in with a 13-second pit stop, it’s because of what they did for the sport. They were the innovative ones who figured out how to make pit stops happen fast.”

Mike Helton - Photo Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

On how heated the discussion and deliberation was among the 21 people on the Nominating Committee:

Helton: “It’s tough to narrow the characters that made our industry what it is today down to 25, much less the five that we ultimately vote on … The history of our sport has so much romance and magnetism to it from the characters that it’s fun to be reminded of what these persons did for us and to get their reward even on this list I think is remarkable. And what’s also remarkable is how close the voting is. There’s probably 20 or more people who aren’t on the list introduced tonight that were within single-digit votes of being in the top 25. There’s a lot of talent, a lot of character and a lot of great stories that are coming down the pike for many years to come from these folks.”

On whether it’s difficult to balance the history of the sport with the accomplishments of the history still being written by nominees such as Richard Childress or Rick Hendrick:

Helton: “I think it is. It’s hard sometimes to look at Rick or Richard, Jack Roush and others … it’s easy for guys like you and I to look at the list and understand why they’re on the list. It might be hard for a more modern fan to say, ‘Well, I know Rick has won a lot of championships lately and Richard has,’ but to have grown up in the sport and understand the influences they made makes all the sense in the world.”

On whether there has been any consideration given to paired nominations, such as Holman and Moody or the Wood Brothers as one single nomination?

Helton: “There was great debate as we were creating this structure with Winston (Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame) and the folks at the Hall of the Fame and the media on how we would select the 25 that were eligible and the five that would be voted in. There was talk about you do have these combinations of the Wood Brothers or Holman and Moody. There also was conversation around why don’t we think about categories like – it would be three drivers and one industry individual and one mechanic or something like that – and I think there’s going to be things in the future that may be different than they are today. But I think to get the Hall of Fame and the inductees up and going, this is the right way to do it.”

- SPEED, Press Release

2011 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

Victory Junction, which operates solely on donations, is a year-round camp serving children, ages 6 to 16, whose health issues would typically prevent them from attending camp. Since the Charity Ride’s inception in 1995, more than $14 million has been donated to Victory Junction and other children’s charities. The 2010 Charity Ride raised enough money to send 180 children to Victory Junction for a five-day session free of charge.

“We’re really excited about the new texting program and hope it’s a way to make people feel involved,” said Petty, former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and Charity Ride founder. “People ask us all the time how they can help, and this is an easy way to do it. Whether or not the Ride is going to be near their hometown this year, it’s an opportunity for fans around the nation to feel connected and know they’re really doing something to make a difference.”

What started more than a decade ago as four friends wanting to travel from one race track to another has grown into a highly organized motorcycle ride. Petty will lead a field of more than 175 riders on this year’s 17th-Annivesary Ride from Lake Placid, N.Y., to Amelia Island, Fla.

Fans and spectators along the Charity Ride route may also contribute through the Charity Ride’s “Small Change. Big Impact.” program, which accepts donations at pit stop locations. Fans may also follow Petty and the riders on several social media sites, including facebook.com/kpcharityride, twitter.com/kpcharityride, and twitter.com/kylepetty.

To make a donation, text RIDE to 27722. Reply to the confirmation text with the word YES to confirm the donation. Charges will appear on user’s wireless bill, or be deducted from their prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Reply STOP to 27722 to STOP. Reply HELP to 27722 for HELP. Full Terms: www.mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy

About The Kyle Petty Charity Ride
Led by NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America raises awareness of and funds for Victory Junction and other charities supporting chronically ill children. The Charity Ride is one of the most successful and popular charity events in the country. Now in its 17th year, the Charity Ride has donated more than $14 million to Victory Junction and other children’s charities, with 6,850 participants logging more than 9.8 million cumulative motorcycle miles. For more information about the Charity Ride, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.

About Victory Junction
Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, NC, with a second location opening soon in Kansas City, KS. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, groups and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. For more information or to donate, visit www.victoryjunction.org

- GMR Live Marketing for Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Press Release

Richard Petty Driving Experience Logo

“For years, fans of sports such as baseball, basketball and golf have had the opportunity to interact with, and learn from, great athletes in their respective sports at historic venues in a casual, fun environment,” said Mike Bartelli, Chief Marketing Officer of Petty Holdings and Richard Petty Driving Experience.  “We wanted to give race fans the chance to fulfill those same dreams behind the wheel, as well.”

“NASCAR fans are always looking for a chance to get in a stock car or meet their favorite drivers,” said Richard Petty.  “This Fantasy Camp will give people the opportunity to do that and much more. These folks are gonna have the time of their lives.”

The Richard Petty Fantasy Racing Camp will include five driving modules focusing on car control, short and intermediate track driving skills, a “Happy Half Hour” and a thrilling “Speedway Challenge” using COT’s on Charlotte’s fast 1 ½ mile oval.  The program is limited to 12 participants.  For more information or to register, call (704) 454-6224 or visit: www.drivepetty.com/fantasyracingcamp.

About Richard Petty Driving Experience:

Richard Petty Driving Experience, a motorsports entertainment and automotive services company headquartered in Concord, NC, produces and facilitates NASCAR race car drive and ride-along experiences, auto manufacturer ride and drive programs, safe driving programs, mobile marketing events and production services to the film industry. The company offers rides and drives at more than 20 major speedways around the country and has permanent facilities in Las Vegas, Orlando, and Concord, NC. For more information, call 1-800-237-3889 or visit www.drivepetty.com

- Richard Petty Driving Experience, Press Release

2011 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

What started more than a decade ago as four friends wanting to travel from one race track to another has grown into a highly organized motorcycle ride that raises funds for Victory Junction and other children’s charities. This year Kyle Petty, former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and Charity Ride founder, will lead a field of more than 175 riders from Lake Placid, N.Y., to Amelia Island, Fla., as they raise awareness and funds for several causes, including Victory Junction, a camp for chronically ill children founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their late son Adam.

Audio: 2011 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America East Coast Tour Press Announcement

“The idea for the Charity Ride started back in 1993 with Robin Pemberton (Vice President of Competition, NASCAR), Eddie Gossage (President and General Manager, Texas Motor Speedway) and Michael Dranes (FOX network cameraman) and me just kind of riding from track to track. We called it the “Hey Buddy Tour,” said Petty who currently serves as a racing analyst for TNT and Speed. “What began as a few friends having a good time riding has turned into what we have today. Once we got started, we decided we needed to give back to the towns we rode through, so we started donating to children’s hospitals along the way. The past few years though, it’s really enabled us to make a difference at Victory Junction. We’ve built a water park and sent hundreds of kids to camp all because a bunch of people like to ride. It’s pretty amazing to me.”

In addition to 28 total fuel stops, riders will make overnight visits in Corning, N.Y., Farmington, Pa., Irvington, Va., Wilmington, N.C., Mt. Pleasant, S.C., and Amelia Island, Fla. during their 2,400-mile trek down the East Coast. Celebrities scheduled to join for all or part of the trip include ESPN NASCAR analyst Brad Daugherty, former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker and NASCAR driver and Bo-Dyn Olympic bobsled founder Geoff Bodine.

Fans and spectators along the Charity Ride route may contribute through the Charity Ride’s “Small Change. Big Impact.” program, which accepts donations at pit stop locations. Fans may also follow Petty and the riders on several social media pages, including facebook.com/kpcharityride, twitter.com/kpcharityride, and twitter.com/kylepetty.

Since the Charity Ride’s inception in 1995, 6,850 participants have logged more than 9.8 million cumulative motorcycle miles and donated more than $14 million to Victory Junction and other charities that support chronically ill children. The 2010 Charity Ride raised enough money to send 180 children to Victory Junction for a five-day session free of charge.

Victory Junction, which operates solely on donations, is a year-round camp serving children, ages 6 to 16, whose health issues would typically prevent them from attending camp. The Pettys founded the camp in 2004 and fundraising for a second Victory Junction in Kansas City, Kan., is currently underway.

Additional sponsors of the 2011 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America include Coca-Cola, Pilot Flying J, Dodge, Ram, Racing Electronics, WinCraft Racing and FLUIDYNE Racing Products, Sprint, Krispy Kreme and FGX International.

2011 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule

For more media information, visit http://www.kylepettycharityride.com/press_kit.php.

About The Kyle Petty Charity Ride
Led by NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America raises awareness of and funds for Victory Junction and other charities supporting chronically ill children. The Charity Ride is one of the most successful and popular charity events in the country. Now in its 17th year, the Charity Ride has donated more than $14 million to Victory Junction and other children’s charities, with 6,850 participants logging more than 9.8 million cumulative motorcycle miles. For more information about the Charity Ride, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.

About Victory Junction
Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, NC, with a second location opening soon in Kansas City, KS. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, groups and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. For more information or to donate, visit www.victoryjunction.org.

- GMR Live Marketing for the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Press Release

Performance Racing Network

CONCORD, NC (March 11, 2011)

The show will feature host Doug Rice and special guest Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 39 Army Chevy, and NASCAR celebrity Kyle Petty.  The broadcast will tape from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and air nationally at 7 p.m. ET. on more than 300 stations around the country. More than 225 military members from Ft. Bragg will attend the broadcast.

“This special edition of ‘Fast Talk’ is a unique tribute to the men and women who serve our country,” said Rice, president of PRN.  “It is truly an honor to be able to co-host a show with Ryan Newman and bring our racing entertainment to the troops. They do so much to protect our freedom and preserve our way of life. We just want to recognize their many contributions with our show.”

The show kicks off the spectacular military tribute that Charlotte Motor Speedway does each May for the Coca-Cola 600 and the Memorial Day Weekend. Annually the track works with Ft. Bragg to host troop members at the race and stage an incredible presentation of military precision and firepower.

About Performance Racing Network

Performance Racing Network (PRN) is a subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE:TRK). PRN produces and distributes programming 365 days a year for more than 750 radio affiliates throughout the United States. Millions of listeners count on PRN for live race coverage and nationally syndicated shows including “Garage Pass,” “Fast Talk,” and “The Pit Reporters.” For more information, visit www.goprn.com.

- Performance Racing Network, Press Release

Victory Junction Logo

An autograph session for fans will be held from 6:30 – 7:15pm.  Players will compete for cash and prizes awarded to the top finishing positions. To participate in the tournament players can register onsite at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino anytime the day of the event.

“We are thrilled that Black Ace Clothing recognizes the value of Victory Junction to children across the country and was willing to create this event to ensure we see as many kids as we can in 2011”, said Kyle Petty co-founder of Victory Junction.

Scheduled to appear at the tournament are a growing list of NASCAR stars, professional Poker Pros and Hollywood personalities including: Richard Petty, Tiffany Michelle, Kyle Petty, Layne Flack, Vanessa Rousso, David Williams, Antonio Esfandiari, Maria Ho, Ryan Newman, Penn Jillette, David Alen Grier, Shaun Sipos, Bob Guiney, Dave Stewart (MLB), C Thomas Howell, Jennifer Cox, Trishelle Cannatella and more.

“Black Ace Clothing is very proud to be working with Victory Junction to help make a difference in the lives of these kids,” said Brad McCullough of Black Ace. “Bringing together the exhilaration of live poker on the same weekend as the NASCAR race will be a winning formula for both fans and players alike.

Tiffany Michelle is one of today’s most exciting poker stars and fans of both the poker and NASCAR worlds can now meet and play with their favorite personalities while supporting this unique and life-changing place.”

Check the website at www.blackaceclothing.com for more updates.

About Victory Junction:

Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, NC, with a second location opening soon in Kansas City, KS. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, groups and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. For more information or to donate, visit www.victoryjunction.org.

- Victory Junction, Press Release

Ryan Wilson

Wilson, who currently competes in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series (NWAAS) at Caraway (N.C.) Speedway, will be one of several speakers on-hand to discuss his climb up the ladder and how driver development on and off the track has proven to be beneficial to him.

In the fall of 2010, Wilson was one of twelve drivers from across the country who participated in Richard Petty’s Driver Search – a unique four day training camp and competition which included stops at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Concord (N.C.) Speedway and a road-course at Carolina (S.C.) Motorsports Park. Wilson and his fellow drivers took the track in High Performance Karts, USAC Midgets, a NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) stock cars, completing 10-modules which, using high-tech digital scoring systems, ultimately determines the “Top Driver”.

Wilson also worked with an instruction staff that included racing icon Ken Schrader, Sprint Cup driver Marcos Ambrose, nine-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel, legendary crew chief Dale Inman, NASCAR media personality and former driver Kyle Petty, ESPN track reporter Jamie Little and Miss Sprint Cup Monica Palumbo on a variety of topics that surround the territories of being a professional race-car driver.

Through the trial and tribulations, Wilson outdueled his other competitors awarding him a shot to qualify in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards at the historic Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway. Having never sat in an ARCA car before tackling the track nicknamed “The Rock”, it was easy to see why Wilson beat out his competitors.

After starting 19th, Wilson in the No. 15 Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge Charger kept his nose clean, earned the respect of his competitors and took the checkered flag in a respectable and noteworthy 14th position.

Richard Petty and Richard Petty’s Driver Search II Winner Ryan Wilson

The driver of the No. 12 Randolph Bank Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series is preparing for what he is expecting to be a busy but also a winning 2011 racing season.

“We’re going to continue to run at Caraway, but we’re also going to run a couple races in ARCA,” sounded Wilson. “It’s our goal to go and try to win a championship at Caraway but also begin my advancement to the heavier stock cars through the ARCA Racing Series. It’s a great series and I enjoyed myself immensely at Rockingham. I’m looking forward to this year and I cannot continue to thank everyone from my team, my family, my friends and our marketing partners for their support in Ryan Wilson Motorsports.”

In addition to racing at Caraway (N.C.) Speedway and a limited ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule, Wilson will also compete in Late Model stock car events at Ace (N.C.) Speedway and other selected Late Model contests.

Stay tuned for a newly-designed Ryan Wilson Motorsports website. However, in the meantime for more input on Ryan Wilson and his organization, please visit RyanWilsonMotorsports.com.

- Knight Motorsports Management Press Release

Kevin Harvick Foundation (KHF)

The Christmas for Kids Concert, which will be held Thursday, December 16 at Johnny and June’s Ultra Saloon in Winston-Salem, N.C., will benefit area foster children through Foster Friends of NC and the Kevin Harvick Foundation. The toys collected will be distributed to the foster children at a private holiday party at Oak Ridge Military Academy in Oak Ridge, N.C. on Saturday, December 18.

“DeLana and I are really excited about the Christmas for Kids Concert,” said KHF co-founder Kevin Harvick. “We have partnered with 93.1 The Wolf to support foster children in both Guilford and Forsyth Counties through Foster Friends of NC and the Kevin Harvick Foundation. The holidays can be hard and we hope, that through this program, these kids will know there are many people that care about them. We are expecting a great turnout for the concert and are looking forward to collecting a lot of toys and donations.”

Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and admission to the event is a $20.00 new, unwrapped toy or cash donation. Go to www.fosterfriendsnc.org to see a detailed wish list of items needed. Johnny and June’s Ultra Saloon is located at 2105 Peters Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27127.

About the Kevin Harvick Foundation:

Established in 2010 by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick and his wife, DeLana, the mission of the Kevin Harvick Foundation (KHF) is to support programs that positively enrich the lives of children throughout the United States. The foundation works to not only improve the quality of life, but to help underprivileged youth find and realize their dreams by supporting programs such as the Kevin Harvick Athletic Scholarship Fund at California State University, Bakersfield, a camper cabin at Victory Junction, Baptist Children’s Homes of NC, Boys & Girls Clubs and Kevin’s Krew.

About Foster Friends:

Established in 2005, Foster Friends of NC’s mission is to provide a brighter future to children experiencing foster care in Guilford County, N.C. and soon expanding into Forsyth County, N.C. Through General Awards, Art and Creative Writing Workshops, and JOURNEYS© Mentoring programs, Foster Friends provides foster children with access to activities and opportunities that enrich their childhood experience.

- Kevin Harvick Inc. Press Release

Ryan Wilson

He will be sharing his experiences from the Richard Petty Driver Search II program, how he is using this opportunity to advance his career, and how he is working to progress himself in the sport.

The Richard Petty Driver Search III is currently accepting applications, and will be held on December 6-9, 2010. Unlike any program available today, Richard Petty’s Driver Search is a real training camp and competition for racers and will be limited to 12 participants. Focusing on the complete skill set that defines today’s successful driver, participants in this 4-day training camp will demonstrate their abilities and learn from racing experts in the areas of Car Control, Endurance, Track Management, Adaptability, Race Practices, Passing Exercises, Car Knowledge and Feel, Mechanical Knowledge, Speed, Communication and Marketability. Past experts have included Marcos Ambrose, Ken Schrader, Kyle Petty, Dale Inman, Frank Kimmel and Jamie Little.

The ‘Top Driver’ of Richard Petty’s Driver Search III will be awarded a fully supported opportunity to qualify for, and compete in, an ARCA Racing Series event. (ARCA opportunity provided by Petty Holdings and Richard Petty Driving Experience.) Every competitor will leave with the experience and knowledge to be a better race car driver.

Drivers can apply and learn more about the Richard Petty Driver Search III on their website: http://www.pettydriversearch.com

Race team executives, sponsors, former drivers, crew chiefs, broadcasters, and marketing and public relations professionals will speak along with Wilson at the Summit. They include NASCAR’s two-time NASCAR champion Ned Jarrett, Bank of America’s Ray Bednar, Pat Perkins of Hendrick Motorsports, Larry McReynolds, who served as crew chief for Davey Allison and Dale Earnhardt and is now a television commentator, and Billy Venturini, general manager of Venturini Motorsport’s ARCA team that serves as one of the premier NASCAR driver development teams in the country.

If you are an up and coming racer, and you are looking to learn more about marketing yourself and advancing as a professional race car driver, the 4th Annual Driver Advancement Marketing Summit is a can’t-miss event for you.

For more information about the summit including speakers, registration and attendee discounted host hotel, please visit http://www.performanceprplus.com, or call 704-377-8727

Hurry, we are offering registration at a discounted rate until Nov 30th!

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The fourth annual Driver Advancement Marketing Summit to be held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame January 22 – 23, 2011, provides a rare opportunity for aspiring drivers to get in front of motorsports industry leaders who provide real-world information and advice about what it takes to attain success in racing today. Register early for a discounted rate! Open to race drivers, parents of drivers, and those who want to learn more about marketing and managing a race driver into a successful career.

- Performance PR Plus Press Release

Victory Junction logo

Randleman, NC-November 23, 2010—

“It’s amazing to think of the support we have received for this event each year,” said Kyle Petty, Founder and Vice Chairman of Victory Junction Camp. “Our community, camper families and volunteers are like no other and that’s the reason this event is so successful after five years.”

The race day schedule will feature special events that include the Victory Circle breakfast and worship service.  The Victory Circle breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. in the Fuel Stop for those participants who have raised $1450 or more.  The breakfast gives donors a chance to celebrate their fundraising goal and receive special recognition from Kyle and Pattie Petty as well as Runners World columnist John “The Penguin” Bingham.  The worship service will be held at 9 a.m. in Silver Theatre and led by Kenny Crosswhite, the chaplain of NASCAR communities.

For more information or to register for the Run to Victory please visit www.runtovictory.org.  For additional information, please contact race director Beth Salinger at (312) 925-6067 or beth@endurance-marketing.com.

About Victory Junction:

Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children, ages six to 16, with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, NC with a second location opening soon in Kansas City, KS. Victory Junction offers programs for 24 disease groups and maintains strong relationships with over 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous donors to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. For more information, visit www.victoryjunction.org.

About The Run to Victory:

Run to Victory began when a NASCAR fan and a running fan sat down and spoke about their mutual admiration.  That meeting between John “The Penguin” Bingham and Kyle Petty turned into the Run to Victory, now in its fifth year.  All proceeds from the event benefit Victory Junction, a camp for children with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses.  The Run to Victory has donated more than $500,000 to camp in the past four years.  Now in its fifth year, the Run to Victory includes a half marathon and 5k, both of which starts and finish at Victory Junction

Victory Junction logo

The party will be held at Kyle and Pattie’s home, Adaumont Farm in Trinity, NC.  Gates open at 4:30 pm and music begins at 7:30 pm with a buffet style dinner. Visit www.adaumontfarm.com for tickets and additional event information.

About Victory Junction

Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, NC, with a second location opening soon in Kansas City, KS. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, groups and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. For more information or to donate, visit www.victoryjunction.org.

- Victory Junction, Press Release