When it comes to family legacies in NASCAR, the Pettys stand out as one of the most iconic. Lee Petty laid the foundation with 54 victories and three championships, ranking him 12th in all-time wins despite retiring in 1964. His son, Richard Petty, famously known as “The King,” took the family name to new heights, achieving an unmatched 200 Cup Series wins and seven championships—a record unlikely to ever be surpassed. But the Petty legacy extends beyond just racing. Richard’s son, Kyle Petty, built a career of his own, earning 8 wins in 829 starts. However, Kyle’s greatest contribution to the Petty name goes far beyond the track.
Kyle didn’t achieve the same championship success as his father, but he has carried the family legacy into a new and meaningful direction through Victory Junction, a camp inspired by his late son Adam. Adam, who tragically passed away in 2000, envisioned a camp that would bring joy and healing to children with serious illnesses. After his untimely death, Kyle and Richard committed to bringing Adam’s dream to life, creating a space that has since impacted countless lives. Reflecting on this, Richard once said, “When I think of the Pettys’ 75 years in racing, I believe it brought the camp into being. Our bigger legacy will hopefully be tied to Victory Junction, more than racing.”
Adam’s life was tragically cut short on May 12, 2000, during a practice session at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. At just 19 years old, Adam’s throttle stuck going into turn 3, causing a fatal crash into the wall. Despite his young age, Adam showed great promise with top-5 finishes in the Xfinity Series and two ARCA wins. Many believed he was poised to continue the Petty family’s dominance on the track.
Although Adam’s racing career was brief, his legacy has endured through Victory Junction. Known for his empathy, Adam was inspired to create the camp after visiting Paul Newman’s Camp Boggy Creek, a retreat for children with serious illnesses. Afterward, he asked his grandfather Richard, “Why not start something like this in North Carolina?” Though the idea took a back seat as Adam’s racing career progressed, his vision became the family’s mission following his death.
In 2004, the Petty family officially opened Victory Junction. The camp provides life-changing experiences for children with serious health conditions, completely free of charge. This year marks its 20th anniversary, with over 136,000 children and families impacted since its inception. Kyle recently expressed his gratitude on Victory Junction’s Instagram, thanking everyone who helped make the camp a reality.
In his message, Kyle said, “I don’t think any of you found your way here by accident. I believe Adam had a hand in sending you. You’ve all become dream makers, making incredible experiences possible for so many children over these 20 years.”
Kyle hopes that Victory Junction continues to grow and help even more children in the years ahead. “Thank you for everything you’ve done—for the camp, for our family, and for Adam. Let’s talk again in another 20 years and see where we are,” he added. With the dedication of the Petty family and its supporters, Adam’s vision lives on, ensuring Victory Junction remains a lasting legacy of hope and healing.
