Behind the wheel of a special MyCokeRewards racecar, Kyle Petty will continue his hard-driving campaign for the health and well-being of chronically ill youth. Launched today in downtown Charlotte, the “Vote Kyle, Reward Victory Junction” campaign is a grassroots effort fueled by Coca-Cola and other Petty Enterprises sponsors to reward the man who has given so much of his time and effort to charity with a spot in the Nextel All-Star Challenge on May 20, 2006 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. For the upcoming Coca-Cola 600, the #45 Petty Enterprises Dodge will feature a special MyCokeRewards primary sponsorship paint scheme. Petty also will carry the scheme in the Nextel All-Star Challenge on May 20 if voted into the race or if he wins the Nextel Open qualifying race. With the support of Petty’s friends, family, sponsors, NASCAR fans and members of the NASCAR community, the “Vote Kyle, Reward Victory Junction” campaign is geared towards creating a unique opportunity to continue Kyle’s tireless efforts to give back to kids. Should Petty make the race through the fan vote, Coca-Cola — along with Petty Enterprises sponsors Wells Fargo, Schwan’s and Tire Kingdom – are donating a minimum of $250,000 to support the ongoing efforts of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Additionally, Kyle and Petty Enterprises also will donate any purse money won in the Nextel All-Star Challenge to Victory Junction. If Kyle wins the race that’s an additional $1,000,000 to Victory Junction. Michael Waltrip was announced as Kyle’s campaign manager at today’s rally launching the “Vote Kyle, Reward Victory Junction” initiative. Speakers at the event included 7-time Nextel Cup champion Richard Petty, business executives and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory. Also present at the rally, where race fans got a sneak peek at the MyCokeRewards racecar Petty will drive in the Coca-Cola 600 and the Nextel Open, were families and campers from Victory Junction. Voting for the Nextel All-Star Challenge is currently open and fans are invited to cast a vote to help get their favorite driver into the event by voting online at NASCAR.com. Voting will run through May 20 with the winner announced the day of the race. Race fans interested in more information about the “Vote Kyle, Reward Victory Junction” campaign have been asked to go to a special Web site, votekylepetty.com.(Petty Racing PR), more info about the Nextel All-Star Challenge and Open on my 2006 All-Star Race page.(5-9-2006)
