May 31, 2019 | By Lee Spencer

WWT support of Richard Petty Motorsports has a charitable purpose

World Wide Technology continues to expand its footprint in motorsports—and its latest collaboration delivers a philanthropic twist.

In addition to supporting the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet and driver Bubba Wallace, the St. Louis-based solutions provider will grant a Victory Junction Camp livery to the car in multiple races during the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup season. WWT founder and chairman David Steward and his family announced the leadership donation to Victory Junction on Friday.

The partnership between WWT, RPM and Victory Junction debuts this weekend at Pocono Raceway.

“Victory Junction not only gives opportunities to children that have boundaries in their lives – it gives them a chance to be a kid,” said Wallace of the 84-acre camp for children with chronic medical conditions, disabilities or serious illnesses. “It’s just an incredible place.”

Victory Junction is celebrating its 15th anniversary. The Randleman, N.C.-based camp was established in 2004 to honor fourth-generation NASCAR driver Adam Petty. Since its inception, more than 50,000 campers have experienced an opportunity to make memories in a medically safe environment.

“I remember when I was a kid, having a lot of fun going out and doing things with my friends, and Victory Junction provides that and gives each child the opportunity to simply be a kid,” said Wallace, who first visited Victory Junction in 2015.

“The camp makes these kids feel as special as they truly are. This is a great opportunity for NASCAR fans to support Victory Junction and make every kid feel special – to feel empowered. Fifteen years is a great accomplishment and I want to do my part to help Victory Junction reach another 15 years. It’s just an incredible place.”

WWT, in conjunction with Wallace and RPM, have created a campaign called “Feel Your Heart Race” to bring attention and raise funds for Victory Junction, which is free to all campers.

“Investments in diversity are critical for the long-term viability and future competitiveness of WWT,” Steward said. “The same applies to the sport of racing.  As the only African American NASCAR driver in over 40 years, we have been honored to support Bubba Wallace. With the Victory Junction alliance, we will celebrate and enable kids with diverse challenges and perspectives to reach their fullest abilities. ‘What you have done for the least of them, you have done for me.’ 

“Given our family’s long history with Variety the Children’s Charity, BJC Health System and St. Jude’s, it was an easy decision to get involved with Victory Junction. Diversity matters. That is why we support Bubba. That is why we support Victory Junction.”

Chad Coltrane, Victory Junction president and CEO, is grateful for the backing and the exposure WWT, RPM and Wallace will bring to the camp.

“NASCAR fans connect with drivers like Bubba and the causes they care about, so we’re excited for this opportunity to partner with Bubba Wallace, WWT and RPM,” Coltrane said. “Thanks to the generosity of the Steward family and WWT, we'll be able to share the message of how Victory Junction helps children living with serious illnesses and medical conditions, and how fans can support that mission. 

“We anticipate that other like-minded corporations and foundations will join WWT in the Victory Junction alliance in support of Bubba."