The Chase Elliott Foundation is partnering once again with NAPA and Hendrick Motorsports for the ninth annual DESI9N TO DRIVE collaboration, featuring artwork created by pediatric cancer patients from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This ongoing initiative supports children battling cancer by integrating their inspiring art into Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet and race gear at the June 28 NASCAR Cup Series event at EchoPark Speedway.
Since its inception in 2017, the DESI9N TO DRIVE program has raised nearly $500,000 to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, through the creative input of young patients. This year’s collaboration includes a unique opportunity for race fans to participate in an online sweepstakes fundraiser supporting the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s, offering prizes like parts of Elliott’s race-worn uniform and an exclusive meet-and-greet experience with the driver.
Children’s Artwork Shapes Race Car Design and Uniform
The featured designs for this season were created by pediatric cancer patients at Children’s, with the winning entry chosen from Dream Big-themed submissions. Rhealynn Mills, an 11-year-old patient, was selected as the artist whose vision will adorn Elliott’s car and uniform. After suffering a softball injury, Mills sought care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where she was diagnosed with Metastatic Osteosarcoma in October 2022. Following the amputation of her right leg and nineteen surgeries, she is now fitted with a prosthetic leg and hopes to return to softball soon.
Mills’ design reflects her aspiration to become a nurse dedicated to helping children with cancer, honoring both her journey and her ambitions within the medical field. The artwork depicts various symbols representing hope and healing, including gold ribbons for childhood cancer awareness, pediatric oncology motifs, bandages, stethoscopes, and heart monitors. Encouraging messages such as “Cure Cancer” and “Helping Kids Like Me” are featured prominently, alongside the Bible verse Psalm 46:5:
God is within you, you will not fail.
Partners Emphasize Impact and Inspiration of DESI9N TO DRIVE
Chase Elliott expressed heartfelt appreciation for the program, highlighting how the children’s creativity motivates him each year.
Every year, the DESI9N TO DRIVE program reminds me why I love what I do,
Elliott said.
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.
Emily Schneider, Senior Director of Marketing at NAPA, praised the ongoing collaboration for raising awareness and support:
It’s a privilege to once again team up with Chase and his foundation to support the incredible work being done at Children’s,
she stated.
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.
Beth Buursema, Director of Corporate and Community Giving at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, reflected on the program’s meaningful contributions, noting the positive impact on patients and families.
We’re incredibly grateful to partner with the Chase Elliott Foundation for the ninth year of DESI9N TO DRIVE,
Buursema said.
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.
How Fans Can Support and Celebrate the Initiative
Race enthusiasts can visit desi9ntodrive.org to participate in the sweepstakes, with entries accepted from June 11 through July 9. The DESI9N TO DRIVE No. 9 Chevrolet, featuring Rhealynn Mills’ artwork, will compete at EchoPark Speedway on June 28 at 7 p.m. ET. Race coverage will be broadcast through TNT Sports, the Performance Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, offering fans multiple ways to engage with the event and support the cause.
This partnership demonstrates how motorsports and community engagement can unite to empower young patients while raising critical funds for pediatric cancer care and research. The DESI9N TO DRIVE program not only elevates the voices of children facing serious health challenges but also provides a platform to inspire hope and action within and beyond the racing community.
