NASCAR fans get a chance to be 'King of the Road'

LEVEL CROSS, N.C. -- The fall season is an ideal time to hit the open road on your favorite two-wheeled companion. The air is cool, the leaves are changing and it provides soothing relief from the stress of work. This is an enjoyable experience alone, but if you throw in a group of your friends and you can raise money for a great cause, you then have something special.

The Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) and Richard Petty announce the inaugural "King of the Road" charity ride that will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, before the Cup Series race at the Martinsville Speedway on Sunday. The ride, which will traverse through the beautiful Piedmont-Triad area of North Carolina, will benefit the Paralyzed Veterans at a time when they need our help.

"I really have a passion for motorcycles, a lot of people may not know that, so this is a perfect fit for me," Petty said. "We chose Martinsville weekend because we consider that our 'home' track and we hope the fans will make the short trip down to join us on the ride. If you have never had the opportunity to hop on a motorcycle and ride through the Piedmont-Triad area during October, it really is breathtaking."

"Thank you Richard Petty for doing something good for America's paralyzed veterans, not just one day a year but year-round. We deeply appreciate the fact that you care," Paralyzed Veterans' national president Gene A. Crayton said.

Riders will begin the 100-mile ride from the former home of Petty Enterprises in Level Cross, N.C. The annual Petty Fan Day will also be taking place at the Level Cross shop and will be an added bonus to participants as they will be able to tour the legendary facility. Lunch will be sponsored by Hutchinson Wealth Management Group.

The first stop on the ride will be the W.G. "Bill" Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, N.C. While there, riders will have the opportunity to meet service men and women that have made sacrifices for our freedom. Refreshments will be provided by Blue Bell Ice Cream and a check will be presented from the "The King of the Road" charity ride to the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

The final stop will be the King's new castle, Richard Petty Motorsports, in Statesville, N.C. A.J. Allmendinger, driver of the No. 44 Dodge for RPM, will greet the riders before everyone enjoys a catered reception and a tour of the facility that has produced two Cup Series wins in 2009.

"The Paralyzed Veterans do so much for us, we want to come up with fun and creative ways to help them out and show them we appreciate all of their sacrifices," Petty said. "I've been riding motorcycles for a long time. It's something that I love to do. I also love giving back to those that deserve it. That's what this is all about. It's just a way to say 'thank you' for what you do."