The Chase Elliott Foundation DESI9N TO DRIVE NASCAR collaboration returns for its ninth year, bringing together the Foundation, NAPA, and Hendrick Motorsports in support of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. On June 28, EchoPark Speedway will host the debut of a unique No. 9 Chevrolet, designed by a young cancer survivor and pediatric patient, as part of a special effort to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer treatment.
Program Continues a Tradition of Fundraising and Artistry
Since 2017, the DESI9N TO DRIVE initiative has raised close to $500,000 for patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Each year, patients have submitted creative artwork that inspires the design of both Chase Elliott’s racecar and driving uniform for a featured NASCAR Cup Series event. This tradition not only spotlights the talent and resilience of the participating children but also drives meaningful support for pediatric cancer care through significant fundraising and sweepstakes events.
Inspiring Story Behind the Car’s Artwork
The 2024 car design stems from the imagination and courage of Rhealynn Mills, an 11-year-old at Children’s. Mills, a softball player, turned to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for further evaluation after sustaining an injury. Diagnosed with Metastatic Osteosarcoma in October 2022, she underwent the amputation of her right leg following 19 surgeries. Adapting to a prosthetic limb, Mills holds on to her dreams of returning to softball and hopes to one day become a nurse working with kids like herself while supporting efforts toward curing cancer.
Mills’ Dream Big-inspired design features gold childhood cancer ribbons, images of heart monitors, stethoscopes, and comforting clouds labeled “Cure Cancer” and “Helping Kids Like Me.” Prominently displayed is the message of strength from Psalm 46:5:
“God is within you, you will not fail.”
Every year, the DESI9N TO DRIVE program reminds me why I love what I do,
—Elliott, Driver
These kids pour their hearts into their artwork, and getting to meet them and see their creativity up close is incredibly inspiring. Partnering with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and NAPA at my home track always makes this one of the most meaningful weekends of the season.
—Elliott, Driver
Support From Partners and Program Impact
The sweepstakes fundraiser, benefitting the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s, invites race fans to participate for a chance at exclusive rewards. Prizes include pieces of Elliott’s race-worn attire and VIP meet-and-greet opportunities, adding an engaging element for supporters as they contribute to the cause. The enthusiastic involvement of NAPA and Hendrick Motorsports further amplifies the foundation’s impact, both with their visibility in NASCAR and their ongoing community engagement.
It’s a privilege to once again team up with Chase and his foundation to support the incredible work being done at Children’s,
—Emily Schneider, Senior Director of Marketing at NAPA
We’re excited to unveil the inspiring designs on the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet and are proud to play a part in driving awareness and support through this year’s sweepstakes.
—Emily Schneider, Senior Director of Marketing at NAPA
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Commitment to Patients
This collaboration provides transforming experiences for young patients facing daunting health challenges. The partnership with the Chase Elliott Foundation gives children at one of the nation’s largest pediatric cancer and blood disorder programs a platform to express their creativity and share hope with others. Families benefit not only from the medical care provided but also from positive initiatives that spotlight patient stories and drive critical funding.
We’re incredibly grateful to partner with the Chase Elliott Foundation for the ninth year of DESI9N TO DRIVE,
—Beth Buursema, Director of Corporate and Community Giving at Children’s
This special collaboration gives our patients a chance to dream big, express themselves, and be part of something unforgettable. With one of the largest pediatric cancer and blood disorder programs in the country, we’re proud to see these designs bring hope to our families and help us continue our mission to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow.
—Beth Buursema, Director of Corporate and Community Giving at Children’s
How Fans Can Get Involved and Timelines Ahead
Fans can participate in the DESI9N TO DRIVE sweepstakes by visiting desi9ntodrive.org starting June 11, with entries accepted until July 9. The highlight of the collaboration, Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet featuring Mills’ uplifting design, will hit the track at the EchoPark Speedway on June 28 at 7:00 p.m. ET. Media coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series event will be offered by TNT Sports, the Performance Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The Chase Elliott Foundation DESI9N TO DRIVE NASCAR collaboration continues to bring together racing fans, donors, organizations, and children in a creative and hopeful campaign, turning a shared love of racing into life-changing support for families facing pediatric cancer.
