Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott shared his personal connection to Breast Cancer Awareness Month during a recent interview ahead of the race at Kansas Speedway. Elliott emphasized the importance of this observance, revealing how the cause resonates deeply with him.
October serves as Breast Cancer Awareness Month globally, during which NASCAR Cup Series drivers will replace their standard black window nets with pink ones for the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 race. This change honors the families touched by breast cancer, a cause close to Elliott’s heart, as his grandmother survived the disease.
Reflecting on the significance of the pink window nets, Chase Elliott expressed in the pre-race media session:
“It’s an important month for a lot of people. Breast cancer has impacted, unfortunately, almost every family I know in some way, shape, or form, and certainly has impacted mine. It’s always been an important initiative for that reason, and will certainly continue to be.” – Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
In addition to personal stories like Elliott’s, corporate collaborations have helped raise awareness. Last year, Chevrolet partnered with the American Cancer Society to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month by unveiling a pink Chevy Camaro SS pace car that appeared at races throughout October. This effort highlighted the severity of breast cancer, which affects one in eight women in the United States.
Chase Elliott is scheduled to compete in the Bank of America ROVAL 400 on October 5, 2025, held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. This 109-lap race marks the final event of the Round of 12. Prior to this, he will race in the Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet on September 28 at 3 PM ET.
Chase Elliott’s Thoughts on NASCAR’s Potential New Playoff Structure
Ahead of the Darlington race, Chase Elliott discussed the rumored changes to the NASCAR Cup Series playoff format in an interview with analyst Dalton Hopkins. Currently, the playoff system consists of three elimination rounds — the Round of 16, Round of 12, and Round of Eight — narrowing the field to four drivers who compete in the final Championship Four race at Phoenix Raceway.
NASCAR is considering adopting a 3-3-4 format for the playoffs next season, inspired by fan feedback. This new structure would feature two rounds consisting of three races each, followed by a four-race final round to determine the champion. Elliott shared his perspective on this proposed system:
“I think it would be better than what we have… Because you just have a larger amount of races at around to decide. You know, it could, it would, seemingly, would give an opportunity to, you know, have something that’s totally out of somebody’s hands, not completely derail their championship. What is now, you know, their shop. So, it seems like, is it perfect? Probably not. But I would say that that sounds better.” – Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
Currently, Elliott stands seventh in the playoff rankings, maintaining a 14-point lead above the elimination cutoff. His season statistics include 3,049 points, one win, 15 top-ten finishes, and nine top-five finishes across 30 races.
Upcoming Races and Championship Context
The Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course is a crucial race as it concludes the Round of 12 in the NASCAR playoffs. Chase Elliott’s performance there will be instrumental in determining his advancement toward the championship. Before this event, the Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet on September 28 offers Elliott another chance to secure points and improve his standing.
These races hold significant weight for drivers competing to reach the Championship Four showdown at Phoenix Raceway, where the season’s champion will be crowned. The racing calendar’s progression underlines the importance of consistency and strategic execution during these playoff rounds.
The Ongoing Impact of Breast Cancer Awareness in NASCAR
Chase Elliott’s acknowledgment of Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the emotional and social relevance of the campaign within motorsports. NASCAR’s adoption of pink window nets and collaborative efforts with organizations like the American Cancer Society demonstrate the sport’s commitment to supporting those affected by breast cancer. These visible acts during races foster awareness among millions of fans nationwide.
For Elliott, the cause is deeply personal and translates into a continued dedication to promoting awareness. His grandmother’s survival story adds an intimate layer to his advocacy, reflecting the broader impact breast cancer has on families everywhere. Through his platform, Elliott helps amplify the message during a time when the public focus on this health issue intensifies.
The combination of his competitive focus in the playoffs and his openness about breast cancer awareness reveals the multifaceted role athletes play—both as sports figures and as advocates for important causes.
