Erik Jones, a prominent NASCAR Cup Series driver, launched his third consecutive year supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month through the Erik Jones Foundation’s Window of Hope initiative at Charlotte Motor Speedway. As part of this ongoing commitment, the No. 43 Tri-State/Massey Motor Freight Toyota Camry XSE features special pink accents, underscoring Jones’ role in championing the Erik Jones breast cancer awareness campaign within the racing community and beyond.
The Window of Hope Program: Continuing a Meaningful Legacy
Inheriting the Window of Hope program from fellow NASCAR driver Kurt Busch in 2023, Jones and his foundation have diligently maintained the tradition, which aims to generate funds and amplify awareness for individuals affected by breast cancer. The NASCAR community has united around the cause, notably with every Cup Series team running distinctive pink window nets during the Bank of America ROVAL 400 race at Charlotte—an initiative honoring both breast cancer survivors and those lost to the disease.
“The Window of Hope program was an opportunity that got passed on to us from Kurt Busch and it fit perfectly with the Erik Jones Foundation,”
said Erik Jones.
“It’s close to our core values, and we raised over $50,000 in 2024 alone. I’m proud to be back doing it for a third year, and it means a lot that all of the teams get involved. It’s such a good cause that brings our NASCAR community together.”
— Erik Jones, Driver
Paint the Wall: A Moving Event with Survivors and Partners
To mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Jones joined the annual Paint the Wall event at Charlotte Motor Speedway on September 30. The initiative, held in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, welcomed more than 100 breast cancer survivors. During the event, Jones detailed the importance of the Window of Hope effort and revealed his car’s new pink highlights, swapped in for its usual mint tones as a tribute to the cause.
“Paint the Wall is such a great event, and I’m so happy to be able to participate in it again,”
Jones shared.
“It’s great to see all of the survivors out at Charlotte helping us paint the wall. My mom’s a breast cancer survivor so it hits close to home. She went through a battle about 10 years ago, and it’s near and dear to my heart, in a lot of ways.”
— Erik Jones, Driver
Honoring Breast Cancer Heroes: Names Riding Along
This year, in a powerful gesture, Jones’ car carries more than symbolic color. On the passenger side door, the name Stephanie Virginia Ellen—a dedicated NASCAR fan lost to breast cancer in 2017—will ride along. Ellen’s parents, who attended her last race with her in Charlotte in 2013, are present for this tribute.
The driver’s side honors Amy Stein, Jones’ long-time manager and family friend, who overcame breast cancer in 2007. Stein has been a key figure in both Jones’ career and in breast cancer advocacy, working to promote early detection efforts.
“Cancer has probably touched most people, probably in some way, through a family or friend,”
Jones reflected.
“They’ve known someone who’s went through that battle. I’m honored to have two names on my car who have battled it. These names tell both sides of the story, and I’m honored to help tell it.”
— Erik Jones, Driver
Fundraising Efforts and Charitable Partnerships
As part of the broader awareness campaign, Jones and his foundation are auctioning off signed pink window nets from the NASCAR field throughout the ROVAL weekend. The auction, which began on October 1 and ends October 8, directs all funds raised to three organizations central to breast cancer research, support, and awareness: the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Superior Health Foundation of Michigan, and Charlotte Motor Speedway’s partner, Atrium Health.
“This year, we decided to go with three different charities,”
Jones explained.
“We’re hitting the Charlotte, Michigan, and national communities with Superior Health Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation, and the track’s partner, Atrium Health. All of these organizations do such great work in helping raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and assistance.”
— Erik Jones, Driver
Organizations Benefiting from This Year’s Campaign
The National Breast Cancer Foundation, founded by survivor Janelle Hail in 1991, focuses on advocacy and early detection, essential in improving outcomes for women facing breast cancer. Superior Health Foundation, based in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, supports the region’s Breast Health Fund, which provides financial assistance for diagnostic care and screenings to underserved populations. Atrium Health, a major healthcare partner of Charlotte Motor Speedway, collaborates in regional outreach and awareness efforts.
The Broader Significance and Next Steps
Erik Jones’ drive for breast cancer awareness resonates deeply, drawing personal and community connections. By weaving together emotional tributes, engaging survivors, and rallying fans and teams, the campaign amplifies critical messages about early detection, support, and hope for those impacted by the disease. The Bank of America ROVAL 400 will broadcast Jones’ message to a national audience, with fans able to watch live coverage and participate in the upcoming auction, further contributing to the cause.
The ongoing work of the Erik Jones Foundation, in collaboration with organizations like National Breast Cancer Foundation, Superior Health Foundation, and Atrium Health, demonstrates the sport’s powerful role in raising awareness, funding research, and providing support to those facing breast cancer. As the Window of Hope tradition continues, NASCAR’s commitment to community and health remains front and center.
