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The 25th Annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America rolled into Magee”s Love’s Travel & Truck Stop Thursday, May 9th to a crowd of people and a ton of rain!
The program took place under the station’s canopy where the gas pumps had been closed to the public. Mayor Dale Berry welcomed the riders and fans! Governor Phil Bryant spoke and praised the work that is done by Victory Junction the charity that Kyle Petty began in honor of his son Adam who was killed in a race car accident.
Mayor Berry recognized 3 local NASCAR fans: David Tedford, Joey McNulty, and Jimmy Shivers. Patrick Brown was recognized for his long time admiration for Hershel Walker who was also part of the ride. Suzy Thames presented Kyle Petty with the Key to the City of Magee and told her connection and love of NASCAR.
Melinda Hart of Sassi Southern Catering was in charge of the meal for the ridders. The rain and wind played havoc with the tents and tables. The food area was moved to the back of the store. All the riders enjoyed the southern hospitality and food.
The Magee Fire Department brought the ladder truck to Love’s and had the American flag flying at the end of the ladder. The Magee Police Department handled traffic. (The red light at Love’s was closed during the time the motorcycles were filing into the station. Traffic on highway 49 was backed up for miles)
Love’s Manager Mark Ellington kept everything moving despite the rain. Thanks to the City of Magee employees and the Magee Chamber of Commerce for their work in organizing the event.
Enjoy the pictures!
Top photo is Kyle Petty’s wife
Mayor Dale Berry and son BB
The crowd waiting for autographs
The Love’s group with Manager Mark Ellington
A picture showing all the motorcycles!
More people in line for autographs
Ridders!
A group from Simpson Academy
Left to right: Barrett Thompson, Carlee Cockrell, Sabra Hubbard, Here’d Smith, Jaden Wedgeworth
Front: John Cole Giordano
Back: Robert Grubbs
Skip Russell, Matt Gipson, and Ben Stephens
Friends Suzy Thames, Chuck Akers, and Ronnie Rankin
Main Photo: Suzy Thames, Kyle Petty and wife Morgan, Jimmy Shivers, Richard Petty,Mark Ellington,
Governor Phil Bryant and wife Deborah , Hershel Walker and Dale Berry
Mark and Ruth Ellington and Dale Berry
