Chase Elliott will showcase a unique version of his No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet at EchoPark Speedway on June 28, 2025, featuring a design by 11-year-old cancer survivor Rhealynn Mills, as part of the Chase Elliott Desi9n to Drive car for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta initiative. The collaboration aims to bring awareness and raise crucial funds for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through a special car design and an accompanying sweepstakes.
Chase Elliott Foundation’s Desi9n to Drive Initiative Continues
The Desi9n to Drive program, in its ninth year, is driven by the Chase Elliott Foundation to support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Since its launch, the program has accumulated close to half a million dollars for the cause, supported by Elliott’s partnership with NAPA. The campaign began on a smaller scale, originally focusing on shoes, but grew significantly with NAPA’s expanded involvement.
“At first (the program) kind of started off with shoes and really NAPA’s involvement kind of took it to the next level, honestly,”
—Chase Elliott
“It’s been rewarding, but I think more than anything it’s had an impactful difference on people’s lives.”
—Chase Elliott
This year, Elliott will debut the custom car scheme at the Hampton, Georgia track, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, reflecting the program’s continuous commitment to making a difference.
Rhealynn Mills’ Inspiring Design
Rhealynn Mills, an 11-year-old patient from the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s, was selected to create the 2025 Desi9n to Drive car look. Mills, who was diagnosed with Metastatic Osteosarcoma in October 2022 and has endured 19 surgeries—including a right leg amputation—channeled her hope and determination into her artwork.
Her design for the No. 9 Chevrolet is a tribute to her ambition to become a nurse, featuring gold childhood cancer ribbons, stethoscopes, heart monitor motifs, and uplifting messages such as “Cure Cancer” and “healing kids like me.” These symbols reflect her journey and desire to inspire other young patients facing similar challenges.
“For her to kind of exemplify and show the fight that she’s gone through and that attitude that she’s had throughout the process, I think, is really important,”
—Chase Elliott
“Excited to have her and meet her and spend some time with her family, too. I’ve said this before, it’s not just her, the whole family and what they go through and deal with through the process, it’s a lot of weight on a lot of different people.”
—Chase Elliott
The Heartfelt Connection Between Elliott and the Families
Elliott has expressed how meaningful these interactions with children and families are to him personally. He highlights the emotional impact on both the patients and their families as a source of motivation for his continued support.
“I say this a lot, if you can help make 1% of somebody’s day a little better in that situation, I think it’s worth the time,”
—Chase Elliott
He also reflected on broader lessons from these experiences, reminding fans of the importance of kindness and awareness toward others, noting that struggles are often invisible to passersby.
“Just showing them some respect and hopefully making their days better and giving them an experience they might not have, whether they’re race fans or not, I think, is a good thing. We’re just trying to help.”
—Chase Elliott
Sweepstakes for a Charitable Cause
To amplify the fundraising, race fans can participate in an online sweepstakes at desi9ntodrive.org. Prizes include pieces of Elliott’s race-worn uniform from Atlanta and a VIP race day meet-and-greet experience with the driver himself. All proceeds directly benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s. The sweepstakes opens on June 12 and runs until July 7, inviting supporters to contribute and possibly win unique memorabilia while supporting a vital cause.
Looking Ahead
The Chase Elliott Desi9n to Drive car for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta demonstrates how the partnership between athletes, organizations, and children with critical illnesses can inspire hope and create positive change. As Rhealynn Mills’ design takes to the track, the initiative shines a spotlight on courageous young patients and the ongoing need for community support. The program serves as a reminder of the difference that compassion and creative fundraising can make in the lives of families facing medical challenges in Georgia and beyond.
