Chase Elliott Atlanta victory celebration was transformed into a touching tribute when his No. 9 Chevrolet, sporting a custom design by 11-year-old cancer survivor Rhealynn Mills, crossed the finish line first at the Quaker State 400. The unique car design highlighted Elliott’s DESI9N TO DRIVE program and added deep personal meaning to his long-awaited win in Atlanta.
A Victory Lane Celebration Elevated by a Young Designer’s Story
Chase Elliott’s win at EchoPark Speedway on June 28 ended a 44-race winless streak, but it was the car’s young designer who made the event unforgettable. Mills, who is currently undergoing treatment for Metastatic Osteosarcoma at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, created a paint scheme adorned with stethoscopes, heart monitors, and symbols supporting children fighting cancer. Her heartfelt messages—“Cure Cancer” and “healing kids like me”—were emblazoned on the Chevy for all to see, representing her personal journey and the struggles of countless kids like her.
The DESI9N TO DRIVE charity, Elliott’s annual initiative, has raised over $500,000 to date for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Each year it spotlights the artwork of a brave patient, giving them a special place at one of the season’s marquee races. This partnership provides not only financial support to pediatric healthcare but also public recognition for the courage and creativity of children such as Mills.
Mills’ design helped drive awareness throughout the event, drawing attention to the needs of young cancer patients and the hospitals that support them. The car, which was chosen out of numerous patient submissions, became a rolling tribute to children battling serious illnesses and an emblem of hope on the track.
Chase Elliott Describes the Impact of Mills’ Involvement
During a press event leading up to the Chicago race, Elliott explained how sharing victory lane with Mills brought new meaning to his celebration. He spoke about the emotional significance of having the young designer and her family present at the decisive moment after the race. The experience left a profound impression on Elliott, who was joined by his mother, other family members, and friends.
“I mean, you know, just having lived it right, and the experience with Rhealynn (Mills) there after the race and just seeing her kind of open up and see her excitement, go from this shy little girl that didn’t know anything about racing to celebrating in victory lane with us at the end of the night. It was just really special to kinda see that transition and have my mom there and other family members and friends and all that,”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
Elliott emphasized how moments like these make race victories stand out:
“You know, those things just make those moments unique, and you know, I am grateful for them, and just the whole experience was incredible. So yeah, it was… couldn’t really have asked for any more last week. Obviously, it all worked out in our favor, and hopefully, we can do it more often,”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
Race Day Drama and Elliott’s Path to Triumph
The Quaker State 400 was far from ordinary. Rain delays and major crashes defined the race, challenging even the sport’s veteran drivers. Joey Logano started strong, but a weather interruption on lap 37 stalled all momentum. Shortly after, a multi-car collision on lap 57 eliminated top contenders Ryan Blaney and Christopher Bell. A massive 23-car collision on lap 69 further shook up the field, taking out highly-ranked drivers like Denny Hamlin and William Byron. Through determination and skill, Elliott stayed ahead of the chaos, leading 41 laps and ultimately overtaking Brad Keselowski with a decisive pass on the final lap to seize victory.
This win carried even more weight for Elliott, the Georgia native, and Hendrick Motorsports (HMS). Having last visited victory lane in April 2023 at Dover, the extended winless period had prompted speculation about his championship form and standing in the NASCAR Playoffs. With this result, Elliott solidified his spot in the postseason and advanced further in the In-Season Tournament. Now second in points behind teammate Byron, Elliott’s playoff run was rejuvenated by both momentum and optimism.
An Emotional Milestone for the Team and Family
Elliott’s moment in victory lane with Mills and her family, along with his own loved ones present, offered powerful visuals and emotions that extended beyond the usual post-race celebrations. Mills, having endured 19 surgeries and the amputation of her right leg, stood as a symbol of strength and perseverance. The acknowledgement of her effort—as the designer behind the car and as a patient in the spotlight—brought heightened meaning to the occasion for everyone involved.
The combination of Elliott’s on-track success and Mills’ courageous story created a memory likely to endure in the hearts of fans, families, and the broader racing community. As Elliott and HMS look toward upcoming challenges in Chicago and the season’s playoff stretch, the significance of this Atlanta celebration—and the focus on hope and healing for children—will remain a highlight of their year.
