Not many people can boast that they hiked 2,172 miles, through 14 different states all in one attempt. Ray Hudson can say just that, and that he did it all to help his favorite charity. Ray Hudson, a shop fabricator at Petty Enterprises, hiked the entire 2,172-mile Appalachian Trail starting in Springer Mountain, GA on March 1. Hudson finished his hike on July 21, 143 days since he began. His inspiration for this incredible hike was to raise funds for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Ray will return to his hometown of Randleman, North Carolina to a huge welcome home bash and his very own Ray Hudson Day. The town of Randleman has generously named August 11th Ray Hudson Day. All of the individuals who donated to Ray’s hike will be invited to join Richard and Kyle Petty to welcome back Ray. A check with the total amount from Ray’s hike will be presented to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. “This is huge, we are all really proud of Ray,” said Kyle Petty.( Victory Junction Gang PR )(8-5-2003)
