May 19, 2006
Kurt Busch Foundation Donates $1 Million to Victory Junction
CONCORD, N.C. (May 19, 2006) - A 28,000-square-foot indoor sports facility will be constructed at Victory Junction Gang Camp thanks to a $1 million donation from the Kurt Busch Foundation, it was announced Friday at Lowe's Motor Speedway by camp founders Kyle and Pattie Petty and Busch.
The chronically- and terminally-ill children will be able to play numerous sports in the climate-controlled environment, including golf, soccer and baseball. It will be completed for the 2007 camp season, and will be known as the Kurt Busch Superdome.
"When you go to camp and see what Victory Junction Gang Camp is all about, it looks like a candy land to children," Busch said about the camp in Randleman, N.C. "It's very special to me, and to have fun with it is the No. 1 thing.
"Your heart pours out to them (children at Victory Junction). They can't live ordinary lives or sign up for Little League baseball in their community. You feel like you can make a small impact in their lives if they've got a place where they can fit in together and all feel welcome."
Kyle Petty noted that some of the children's illnesses would not allow them to participate in activities outside in hot weather. That resulted in the Pettys discussing the indoor athletic facility with Busch when he approached them about aiding Victory Junction.
"I can't believe I was able to come together with the Pettys and put this program together," Busch said. "It's a good launch for the Kurt Busch Foundation and how serious I am about it and the initiative to try to get kids into sports and put a smile on their face at the end of the day. We'll have some fun with it."
Victory Junction was created by the Pettys in memory of their son Adam, who died in a practice session crash at New Hampshire International Speedway in May 2000. Creating a camp for chronically- and terminally-ill children was Adam's dream.
The win was the first for Hornish at the Indianapolis 500 and the fulfillment of a life-long dream. The two-time IndyCar Series champion gave team owner Roger Penske his Indianapolis 500 record-extending 14th win and 13th pole position.
For Marco Andretti, his first Indianapolis 500 race showed the world that the Andretti name will carry on in speed, style and success. The 19-year old was unanimously voted Rookie of the Year, an accomplishment his grandfather, the legendary Mario Andretti, earned in 1965 and his father garnered in 1984.
Michael Andretti, who last competed in an IndyCar race at the 2003 Indianapolis 500, put on a stirring drive as he chased victory with his son at Indianapolis. It was a remarkable performance by the champion driver and team owner.
"History will decide if the 90th running was one for the ages, but the fans certainly thought it was," Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George said. The 2006 Indianapolis 500-Mile Race truly lived up to the moniker "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing".
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