NASCAR greats Kyle and Richard Petty are rolling toward Graceland
Kyle Petty made his first visit to Graceland in 1995 during the first Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. The family had another connection to Elvis: Kyle’s dad Richard Petty had a role in the 1968 Elvis movie “Speedway.” (Courtesy Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America)
When retired NASCAR driver Kyle Petty soon rolls into Memphis on a borrowed bright blue Harley, joined by a pack of 149 others riding motorcycles of their own as they make their way across the country, he will do so with a purpose —and with ample appreciation for the city, despite having spent precious little time here.
Appreciation for the man who helped put the place on the map, Elvis Presley. Appreciation for the rich local musical history. And appreciation, especially, for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the miraculous work the Memphis-based pediatric cancer research and treatment does.
The purpose of Petty’s visit: Fundraising for Victory Junction, a year-round camp for kids ages dealing with various medical conditions.
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Kyle Petty NASCAR St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Elvis PresleyTim Buckley
Tim is a veteran sportswriter who graduated from CBHS in Memphis and the University of Missouri. He previously covered LSU sports in Baton Rouge, and the University of Louisiana football and basketball for The Daily Advertiser/USA TODAY Network in Lafayette, the NBA’s Utah Jazz for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning for the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, and West Texas State basketball for the Amarillo Globe News in Texas.
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