This week, the Petty family shared heartbreaking news that one of the Charity Ride’s most dedicated members, Jon Manafort, had passed away. As a cornerstone of the event since its inception, Manafort’s passing has left the Petty family and the Charity Ride community mourning the loss of a beloved friend and supporter.

For nearly three decades, former driver NASCAR Kyle Petty and his father, the iconic Richard “The King” Petty, championed a cause close to their hearts: the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCR). The annual motorcycle trek raises funds for Victory Junction—a camp dedicated to children with chronic medical conditions. It became a symbol of hope and unity within the racing and charity communities.

Manafort’s connection to the Kyle Petty Charity Ride went far beyond his official role. As a rider on every single Charity Ride since 1995, he embodied the spirit of camaraderie and purpose that defined the event. In February 2024, Kyle Petty shared a heartfelt Instagram post highlighting Jon’s dedication, mentioning how three generations of the Manafort family had joined the Ride—a testament to the tight-knit community it fostered.

Richard Petty took to Instagram to honor Manafort’s legacy, reposting a tribute from the KPCR account captioned, “Yesterday, we lost a dear member of our #kpcharityride family, Jon Manafort. Jon was a part of the Ride from the very beginning and served on the KPCR board as our Vice President… His loss leaves a huge void in all our lives, but we know he will forever ride with us in spirit.”

Meanwhile, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride’s mission remains unwavering: to bring smiles to the faces of children at Victory Junction. As the Petty family and Charity Ride participants prepare for future journeys, Jon Manafort’s memory will undoubtedly ride alongside them.

Fans pay tribute to Kyle Petty’s long-time ally Jon Manafort

The connection between Manafort and Petty goes back decades. Founded in honor of Kyle’s late son Adam, the camp provides a medically safe environment for kids to experience the joys of camping. Manafort’s contributions played a vital role in shaping the Ride’s success, ensuring its continued impact on young lives. Commending Manafort’s efforts in aiding the Petty family, one fan commented, “My condolences to Jon’s family and friends and all of his family within the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Organization. May He Rest In Peace.🙏🙏🙏🙏 May you all find comfort and peace and know that his kindness will ride with each of you forever.”

Having first met Kyle Petty through his interests in motorcycles and NASCAR, Manafort became an active part in Petty’s work for Victory Junction. Aided by Manafort’s efforts, the Ride has raised over $22 million for Victory Junction, enriching the lives of thousands of children. His passion extended beyond fundraising; he was a constant source of energy and joy, always riding alongside his family and inspiring others to join the cause. This year, his sons and grandson took part of the ride, as Kyle Petty explained in an Instagram post. The untimely passing of Manafort broke hearts all across the NASCAR community. “Oh man. This is heartbreaking. He was such an amazing person.”

Outside of his philanthropic endeavors, Jon Manafort’s passing leaves a void not only in his family and community but also in the legacy of Manafort Brothers Incorporated (MBI), a business deeply tied to his life. Founded in 1919, MBI has grown into a leader in construction, demolition, and recycling, emphasizing sustainability long before it became the industry standard. Jon played a pivotal role in the company’s success, continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence. His leadership embodied integrity and a commitment to environmental responsibility, values that defined MBI for over a century. Fans felt the loss of the “Great man!!” Manafort was.