The Victory Junction Gang Camp kicked off its "Keeping the Dream Alive" campaign on Monday with an announcement that Sprint Cup Series driver and Nationwide Series team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. has committed to donating $1 million to build and maintain The Dale Jr. Corral and Amphitheatre on the camp's campus in Randleman, N.C.
"There are many reasons why we wanted to get involved with Victory Junction and build this amphitheatre, and it starts with the tremendous impact the camp has on these kids," Earnhardt Jr. said. "It's incredible how one week changes lives."
Victory Junction was a camp founded by former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie to honor their son Adam, who was killed in a Nationwide Series practice crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2000. The camp provides a summer camp-type experience for children with chronic or serious illnesses.
"Adam and I met each other at an early age, and from that point on our lives and careers were virtually parallel," Earnhardt Jr. said. "He was as genuine as they get and a great friend. If I can play a small part in helping Kyle and Pattie keep his dream alive, it doesn't require a second thought."
With his gift to Victory Junction, Earnhardt Jr.'s name will be added to the camp's Founders list. He'll be on hand at Victory Junction on March 27 to break ground on the project. In addition, 88 members of The JR Nation Crew -- Earnhardt Jr.'s official fan club -- will be selected to be guests at the ground breaking. The day of the ground breaking will fall during The Dale Jr. Foundation Physical Disabilities Weekend.
"Pattie and I are extremely humbled by Junior's kindness and generosity," Petty said. "We've known Junior since he was a kid, and it means the world to us that he is honoring our son, Adam, by helping change the lives of these kids."
To donate to Victory Junction, visit www.victoryjunction.org.
To join Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s official fan club, visit www.dalejr.com/jrnation.
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