Richard Petty Donates 403 Acres to Victory Junction, Securing Its Future for Generations
In a historic act of generosity, NASCAR legend Richard Petty has donated an astonishing 403 acres of land to Victory Junction, a nonprofit camp in Randleman, North Carolina, dedicated to enriching the lives of children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions. This gift reflects Petty’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the camp’s mission thrives for years to come.
The Origins of Victory Junction
Victory Junction was born from the vision of Adam Petty, Richard Petty’s grandson, who was inspired after visiting Camp Boggy Creek in Florida in 1999. Adam dreamed of creating a similar haven for children in North Carolina. Tragically, his life was cut short in a racing accident in May 2000 at the age of 19.
Determined to honor Adam’s dream, the Petty family rallied behind the project. With an initial donation of 84 acres from Richard and his late wife, Lynda, and the support of NASCAR allies and philanthropists, the camp officially opened in June 2004.
Kyle Petty, Adam’s father and a former NASCAR driver, reflected on the camp’s profound impact:
“When I see the joy and the smiles this camp brings to kids and their families, I can still feel Adam’s giving spirit and see his smile. I want to make sure the camp is here in 100 years, and we hope this gift inspires others to support Victory Junction, so it remains a place of joy for generations to come.”
Petty’s Transformative Gift
Richard Petty’s latest donation expands the camp’s size from 140 acres to 543 acres, increasing its footprint by 287%. While there are no immediate plans for development, Victory Junction leadership views this as a strategic step to secure the camp’s long-term sustainability.
Mark Curran, Victory Junction’s board chair, emphasized the importance of this donation:
“As we envision the future of the camp, the land will remain a topic of strategic discussions. We will be sure to use this thoughtful gift in ways that both secure the future of camp and provide even more life-changing camp experiences for children.”
A Place of Healing and Joy
Victory Junction has become a sanctuary where children can leave behind their medical struggles and embrace joy. Offering activities such as arts and crafts, boating, and NASCAR-themed experiences, the camp operates with comprehensive medical oversight to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.
Located in the heart of North Carolina’s NASCAR country—just 20 miles south of Greensboro and 91 miles northeast of Charlotte—the camp’s ties to the community are deeply rooted.
Looking to the future, Richard Petty expressed hope that this donation will inspire others to support the camp’s mission:
“We hope to ensure the camp can continue serving even more children for generations to come.”
Preserving Adam Petty’s Legacy
Through this monumental act, Richard Petty has ensured that Adam Petty’s vision will continue to thrive, providing transformative experiences for children and their families. Victory Junction stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Petty family and their dedication to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
