Kyle Petty Charity Ride news 2003-05-22

#45 Dodge to carry special paint scheme at Sonoma, Calif., to celebrate 2003 ride

CONCORD, N.C. (May 22, 2003) - Georgia-Pacific Corp. today announced that the company will be the presenting sponsor of the 2003 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America to benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp for kids. The week-long motorcycle ride begins June 22 in Palm Springs, Calif., and concludes June 29 in Daytona Beach, Fla.

"Our long-time partnership with Petty Enterprises is based on the common values our organizations share, including a strong commitment to the communities in which we live and work," said Sheila Weidman, Georgia-Pacific's vice president of corporate communications and marketing. "We're proud of Kyle, and we couldn't think of a better way to show our support for all he does for worthy causes than by sponsoring the Charity Ride. We're excited to be part of this unique event and look forward to hitting the road with Kyle this summer."

To celebrate the ninth anniversary of this cross-country motorcycle trek, Petty's #45 Georgia-Pacific Dodge will sport a different look for the Winston Cup race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Petty's car will carry a special paint scheme designed by famed NASCAR artist Sam Bass and featuring the colors of the 2003 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America presented by Georgia-Pacific.

"I always look forward to racing at Infineon Raceway, but what makes this year's race even more special is that I'm going to run a new paint scheme to celebrate the ninth anniversary of the Charity Ride," said Petty. "It's a cool way to get fans excited during race weekend, before the bikes even get on the road."

Bass created the overall look for this year's event, including the design for the Victory motorcycle that Petty will ride during the 2003 Charity Ride.

Sam Bass added, "I have always admired Kyle and Pattie for putting together such a unique event that allows fun, fellowship and the spirit of adventure to provide hope and help to so many who need it. I am truly honored to work with the Pettys and, through my artwork, be a part of such a worthwhile cause."

To add to the excitement, Speed Channel will document the 2003 Charity Ride for an hour-long special to air later this summer. Speed Channel cameras will travel cross-country with the riders, giving fans an in-depth look at one of racing's biggest charity events.

Since its formation in 1995, more than 3,000 riders have participated in the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, traveling 24,000 miles and raising $3.2 million for various charities. The primary benefactor of this year's event is the Victory Junction Gang Camp for kids located in Greensboro, N.C. Kyle and Pattie Petty founded the camp in 2000 in honor of their son Adam, who was tragically killed in a racing accident. The camp's purpose is to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating camping experiences that are memorable, empowering and fun. Campers will be among peers who share same or similar illnesses, so they can share stories and build friendships while participating in activities such as boating, swimming, horseback riding and more. The Victory Junction Gang Camp is one of eight camps in Paul Newman's network of Hole in the Wall Gang Camps. Construction on the facility is underway, with eight buildings in the final framing stage. By early summer, the remaining 28 buildings will be started, including the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Aquatic Center. To date, the Victory Junction Gang Camp has raised $13.1 million of its $24 million goal.

"It's amazing how much the Charity Ride has grown in popularity over the past nine years," said Petty. "When we first started, there were just 20 or so riders. Now more than 200 riders join us each year, and we've raised over $3 million to help out various charities, including the Victory Junction Gang Camp."

Joining Georgia-Pacific as corporate partners of the 2003 Charity Ride are Victory Motorcycles, Coca-Cola and Daytona Harley-Davidson.

For more information on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America presented by Georgia-Pacific and many other programs the ride supports, contact Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Inc. at 125 Floyd Smith Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28262, by email at info@kylepettycharityride.org or by phone at 704-714-4545.

Headquartered at Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific is one of the world's leading manufacturers of tissue, packaging, paper, building products, pulp and related chemicals. With 2002 annual sales of more than $23 billion, the company employs approximately 61,000 people at 400 locations in North America and Europe. Its familiar consumer tissue brands include Quilted Northern®, Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Sparkle®, Soft 'n Gentle®, Mardi Gras®, So-Dri®, Green Forest® and Vanity Fair®, as well as the Dixie® brand of disposable cups, plates and cutlery. Georgia-Pacific's building products distribution segment has long been among the nation's leading wholesale suppliers of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers. For more information, visit www.gp.com.