NASCAR WCUP: Petty Ride Couldn't Run Without the People
20 April 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
CHARLOTTE, N.C.,-- The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America could be likened to a fine-tuned train moving steadily from one side of the country to the other.
As the ride makes its way through 12 states, many figures will become synonymous with the vital parts of a train. Diane Hough, Click Baldwin and Don Tilley have been on the ride since its inception five years ago, and are all integral parts of the ride.
Hough, the Director of the Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary, is the engineer of this train. She organizes the ride from beginning to end, and makes sure all of the stops and starts take place on schedule.
"The charity ride takes a lot of time and careful planning, but it's all worth it," Hough said. "Kyle's excitement carries over to each of us, and you can't help but feel good about what you're doing. Seeing the children's faces at the hospitals we visit tells the entire story."
Tilley and Baldwin are the ever important "engine and caboose" bikers on the ride, respectively. It is their job to make sure everyone gets where they need to be and that no one is left behind.
"It's a phenomenal ride," Baldwin said. "I'm very happy and honored to help Kyle with this important project to help the children. It's amazing what the Pettys have accomplished. For anyone who loves motorcycles, this is an experience of a lifetime."
Tilley shares his sentiments.
"The ride has become an annual thing and I enjoy it," Tilley said. "It can be a chore leading the show because you have to make sure you know exactly where you're going. If I get off at the wrong exit or make a wrong turn, I have three miles of riders to deal with. So, I have a pretty thick skin. But I meet a lot of great people and have a lot of fun."
Dutch Hauhe of AutoTrader.com has been on the ride several times, and feels just as strongly about what the ride gives back to the children who benefit.
"You get a warm feeling knowing your helping all of those children while doing something you love and seeing the entire country all at the same time," Hauhe said.
But there are many special people in between. In addition to the over 200 core riders, there are 25 support people on the ride with a variety of very important jobs. There is even medical staff and two doctors on the ride. Each year a number of NASCAR personalities ride with Kyle, Pattie, Richard and Adam Petty. This year Steve Park, Tim Fedewa, Ken Schrader, Harry Gant, Bill Davis, Lake Speed and Winston Kelly will make the journey from Fontana, Calif. to Trinity, N.C. In addition, Robert Raiford from the John Boy and Billy Show and Mickey Jones from "Home Improvement" will be on the Charity Ride.
This year's national charity benefiting from the Charity Ride is The Hole in the Wall Gang Camps for Kids founded by Paul Newman. The Camps were founded to provide children with serious illnesses a chance to enjoy an old-fashioned camping experience. The ride will also benefit children's hospitals along the route and the Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary. 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
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