CHARLOTTE, May 8, 2006 – 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 No. 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!
Fellow NASCAR driver and Victory Junction supporter 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.
“The “Vote Kyle, Reward Victory Junction” campaign is the ideal way to salute Kyle for his devotion to Victory Junction and the many kids the camp serves,” said Bea Perez, Vice President of Media, Sports and Entertainment, Coca-Cola North America.
“Kyle has been a friend of Coca-Cola for a number of years and we know he never thinks of himself first. By campaigning for Kyle to run the No. 45 MyCokeRewards Dodge in the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge, we can both honor Kyle and support Victory Junction’s mission of providing care, comfort and opportunities to chronically ill children.”
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 text messaging a vote on NEXTEL/Sprint phones or 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.
“What Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Schwan’s and Tire Kingdom are doing to honor me and reward Victory Junction at the same time is really special, but also very humbling,” said Petty. “The response from fans to what we have created through the camp been overwhelming and I’ll look to them to help get the MyCokeRewards car into the race and raise even more money for the ones who matter most – the campers. If I make the race, you can be sure I’ll do my best to bring home $1,000,000 to the kids.”
The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge showcases race winners from the previous and current NEXTEL Cup seasons, plus the winner of the Nextel All-Star Challenge Open, a preliminary event for teams not qualified for the all-star event, and another Open driver who wins a fan vote into the all-star event. Both races will air on FX on May 20 at 7 p.m. E.T.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1.3 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit www.coca-cola.com.
About Victory Junction Gang Camp
Founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam, the Victory Junction Gang Camp is a year-round facility serving children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. The children, primarily from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, are between the ages of 7 and 15. Victory Junction’s 72-acre site has 32 buildings, including a dining hall, water park, Adam’s Race Shop, theater, equestrian center, medical center and 16 camper cabins. For each of 10 weeks during the summer, children suffering from similar medical issues gather to kick back, relax and have some fun. Campers may also participate in family weekends during the spring and fall. Personal stories of struggle and triumph are shared by campers in an atmosphere where they are safe, respected and loved. The Victory Junction Gang Camp, a Proud Charity of NASCAR, opened its doors to campers on June 20, 2004 and is free to children and their families. For more information, visit www.victoryjunction.org.
About Petty Enterprises
Petty Enterprises is one of the most storied franchises in sports. Founded by Lee Petty in 1948, Petty Enterprises has won 10 championships and more than 270 races in NASCAR competition. Four generations of Petty drivers have competed for Petty Enterprises. Currently, Bobby Labonte drives the No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge and Kyle Petty drives the No. 45 Wells Fargo Dodge. For more information please visit www.pettyracing.com.
