This weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, William Byron enters a critical Roval elimination race in the NASCAR Playoffs, but his standout paint scheme, created with support from Valvoline and Blood Cancer United, adds powerful meaning off the track. The William Byron Roval NASCAR Playoffs effort is centered not just on performance, but on raising awareness and hope for pediatric blood cancer survivors who played a personal role in designing the car.
A Unique Paint Scheme Honors Survivors
Leading up to the big event, William Byron made a special visit to Lexington, Kentucky, stopping by the Valvoline Global headquarters the Friday before the Kansas race. During this visit, the Hendrick Motorsports driver helped unveil a paint scheme that shines a spotlight on Blood Cancer United and features meaningful, kid-inspired artwork. This initiative saw four courageous pediatric blood cancer survivors—Penelope, William, Natiya, and Wren—contribute creative ideas like confetti, planets, stars, a unicorn, and a bunny to the car’s visuals, representing their resilience and imagination. The collaboration between Hendrick Motorsports, Valvoline, Blood Cancer United, and Byron made this unveiling possible, designing a scheme that merges the vibrancy of hope with the pursuit of victory.
“Yeah, it does [mean a lot],”
— William Byron, Driver
“I think any time you can have something that’s unique and different is always cool to be a part of, but then have something that is this meaningful to a lot of the kids that helped design it is very inspirational. So, yeah, looking forward to the weekend.”
— William Byron, Driver
The car’s unveiling resonated on social media and within the NASCAR community, celebrated for its colorful, joyful design and the story behind it. Valvoline Global’s President and CEO, Jamal Muashsher, emphasized the organization’s mission and the teamwork that powered this special effort, united by a drive for social good and breakthrough treatments for pediatric blood cancers.
“I think first it starts with our purpose as an organization, which is to inspire and enable those who move the world forward,”
— Jamal Muashsher, Valvoline Global President and CEO
“So, to have that purpose and then be able to take that and translate it into an idea and have partners like Hendrick Motorsports and Blood Cancer United. It truly is a total team effort to make this really compelling idea, to raise awareness, as well as raise critical funds for innovative therapies for pediatric blood cancer. It’s a very exciting time for us, we’re honored to be a part of it.”
— Jamal Muashsher, Valvoline Global President and CEO
With the NASCAR Playoffs heightening the weekend’s tension, this partnership amplifies not only sponsor dedication but also the personal investment of the young survivors whose creativity is showcased on the car. The pressure to advance through the elimination round is compounded by the significance of representing Blood Cancer United and the kids whose stories inspire the team.
Byron Eyes Win at Hometown Track as Playoff Stakes Rise
Sunday’s Roval race will eliminate four drivers from the playoff chase, but with a forty-point lead over the cutline, William Byron carries measured confidence into the weekend. However, nothing is guaranteed at the Roval—a challenging circuit that demands focus and resilience, especially with so much on the line for drivers, sponsors, and supporters alike.
Earlier this season, Byron experienced heartbreak on the Charlotte oval when Ross Chastain made a dramatic pass that denied him a Coca-Cola 600 victory at his home track. Byron’s pursuit of triumph at Charlotte continues, with local pride, momentum, and the dreams of his team and beneficiaries riding with him at the Roval.
“I think it would mean a lot,”
— William Byron, Driver
“The way our season’s going we’ve had a really strong year to this point. So, just trying to continue that and build on it for the next up and coming races, and we’re getting down to the wire. The Roval’s a big weekend for us being a cutoff race, and hopefully, we can capitalize on the momentum.”
— William Byron, Driver
For Byron, the playoff math is promising, but the added responsibility of racing for a charitable cause intensifies expectations. This weekend represents an opportunity to deliver for both Valvoline and Blood Cancer United, honoring the children whose artistic visions now roll onto one of NASCAR’s biggest stages.
His recent results at the Roval bolster optimism: Byron finished second and third in the last two Cup Series Roval races, with third and ninth place runs in his most recent efforts. As Byron looks to finally seize a road course win this season, he faces stiff competition from Shane van Gisbergen, who has dominated recent road courses and is favored for another victory.
“Yeah, definitely changes things a little bit,”
— William Byron, Driver
“I think he’s been so good at the road course that you’d have to consider him the favorite for sure. But there’s still a lot of execution pieces of the race that have to go correctly. So, I think that you never, you can’t…you gotta expect anything.”
— William Byron, Driver
Byron and other Cup Series veterans aim to end van Gisbergen’s perfect run and reclaim victory for the playoff contenders. This high-pressure scenario, blending personal ambition, team legacy, and a greater cause, shapes one of the most emotionally charged races of the season.
What’s at Stake in the Roval NASCAR Playoffs
With the eyes of the motorsports world on Charlotte, William Byron’s weekend stands as a testament to how the sport can unite communities and serve larger purposes beyond the finish line. The car, decorated by survivors Penelope, William, Natiya, and Wren, embodies perseverance and triumph, while the partnership with Valvoline and Blood Cancer United showcases the collective power of NASCAR to drive awareness and support for pediatric cancer research.
If Byron qualifies for the next playoff round, it will mark another milestone in his season, but a hometown win—fuelled by purpose, passion, and partnership—would be his most meaningful victory yet. Fans, sponsors, and the kids who inspired the scheme will watch closely, hoping for a finish as memorable as the cause that the car represents this Roval weekend.
The sounds of a scheme with a greater cause. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/UzDq3XwR02
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) October 2, 2025
Confetti and unicorns? Car was made for Victory Lane. pic.twitter.com/fkfU9PT6fB
— Jonathan Howard (@Jondean25) September 26, 2025
