Erik Jones is taking a leading role in NASCAR’s cancer awareness initiative, as more than 135 breast cancer survivors, supporters, and local organizations gathered at Charlotte Motor Speedway ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Through painting the track’s pit wall pink and continuing the Windows of Hope campaign, the event highlights NASCAR’s commitment to supporting awareness, survivors, and communities impacted by cancer.
Annual Tradition Honors Survivors and Unites the Community
On the cusp of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the start of the NASCAR Playoffs at Charlotte Motor Speedway, survivors and supporters from across North Carolina joined forces with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), the Erik Jones Foundation, and venue organizers. Together, they painted the pit road wall pink, marking the 13th year of this emotional show of unity and hope.
The Paint Pit Wall Pink celebration has become a pillar event for Charlotte Motor Speedway, opening the weekend before major races such as the Blue Cross NC 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series and Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL™ 400. The pink wall serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer, while also shining a light on other challenges faced by North Carolina communities, including food security.
“It’s just so special to be out here with our employees and other survivors. Each and every year, it’s like coming home to a family reunion and just being with family and to see them each and every year. That’s what’s really special,”
said Cheryl Parquet, Blue Cross NC associate vice president of community engagement and corporate social responsibility.
“We get to see them (survivors) once a year, out here. They have their pink shirts on; they show up and they want to paint the wall. It’s a special day for them because they have been working, they are the ones that are overcoming, so this day is really special to help celebrate them,”
said Cheryl Parquet, Blue Cross NC associate vice president of community engagement and corporate social responsibility.
Windows of Hope Expands Its Reach at the Speedway
This year, the Windows of Hope program, led by Erik Jones with help from Blue Cross NC and his own foundation, is set to make a significant impact during the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400. Each NASCAR Cup Series driver will race with a pink window net in their car, and after the checkered flag, these nets will be signed and auctioned to raise funds for organizations focused on early cancer detection and prevention—bridging Jones’s personal connection to the fight against cancer with NASCAR’s broad community reach.
“It’s been fun to really ingrain this program more into our foundation. This is year three for us with the window net program and just to watch it grow, I hope it continues to grow and become more of a part of this weekend every year,”
said Erik Jones.
“I always love hearing the survivors’ stories and getting to meet a handful of them, see them out here and get them out for the race,”
said Erik Jones.
Broader Community Commitments from Blue Cross NC
Blue Cross NC’s partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway has extended beyond breast cancer advocacy for more than a decade. The health company is using the occasion to highlight initiatives serving a broader portion of North Carolina, responding to issues ranging from hunger to healthcare access, all while continuing to foster outreach for cancer survivors and prevention efforts.
“Our mission continues to grow — from supporting breast cancer awareness to tackling hunger and other health needs — it’s about making sure every North Carolinian has the resources they need to thrive,”
said Cheryl Parquet, Blue Cross NC associate vice president of community engagement and corporate social responsibility.
Racing Weekend Celebrates Awareness and Action
This special initiative coincides with a packed race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where fans will witness everything from the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series on Friday, to the Xfinity Series Blue Cross NC 250 on Saturday, and culminating with Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 in the NASCAR Cup Series. Each event brings new opportunities for the community to show support and contribute to cancer awareness and early detection efforts.
Tickets for race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway are available by phone at 800-455-FANS (3267) or online at the official track website. With the Erik Jones cancer awareness initiative gaining momentum, this gathering pulls together survivors, drivers, fans, and organizations, showcasing the power of unity and ongoing commitment to both celebration and support.
Erik Jones, Cheryl Parquet, and the teams at Blue Cross NC, the Erik Jones Foundation, and Charlotte Motor Speedway are poised to continue making a difference during one of NASCAR’s biggest weeks. The blend of racing excitement and powerful community engagement stands as a testament to the enduring impact of collective action against cancer in North Carolina and beyond.
