---

NASCAR WCUP: Petty, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camps

31 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

CHARLOTTE, N.C.-- Kyle Petty is a man with many passions -- NASCAR racing, family, charity, motorcycles -- and his newest project combines all of them.

Petty announced that beginning in 2000, the national charity for his Charity Ride Across America will be The Hole in the Wall Gang Camps founded for Kids by Paul Newman. The ride will continue to benefit children's hospitals along the ride as well as the Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary.

The Camps serve children dealing with chronic and life-threatening illnesses by providing good, old fashioned camping experiences. No child or family pays to attend Camp and according to founder Paul Newman, they are places where kids can, "kick back, relax and raise a little hell."

Petty and his family first became involved in 1998 when he served as the Grand Marshall for a charity ride to benefit the organization's Florida camp. Since then they have assumed a leadership role in the national fund raising effort to support existing camps as well as help develop new sites.

According to Sarah Gurtis, Vice President of National Partnerships for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, "We are excited to be a part of this amazing event. The Pettys have become outstanding national partners for our Camps and this extends the work they have been doing for children's causes."

Long distance provider 10-10-220 presents Sawyer Brown with special guest artist Toby Keith in concert at the Petty Farm on Sun., May 7. Tickets go on sale March 31 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster for $20 or at the gate on Sunday for $30. Children under six are admitted free with an accompanying adult. If you can't join Kyle on the ride, you can charge your donation by calling 1-800-BE-PETTY.

Text provided by Michele Greth

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.