On the eve of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and just before this weekend’s NASCAR Playoffs at Charlotte Motor Speedway, more than 135 breast cancer survivors and supporters gathered to paint the iconic pit road wall pink. This event, hosted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the Erik Jones Foundation, and the speedway, serves as a powerful show of solidarity and hope in the fight against breast cancer. The involvement of Erik Jones helped highlight the significance of this annual tradition.
A Meaningful Tradition Sets the Stage for Race Weekend
The 13th annual Paint Pit Wall Pink event has become a cherished part of Charlotte’s race weekend, leading up to the Blue Cross NC 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday and the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 on Sunday. This year’s ceremony reflected Blue Cross NC’s dedication not only to raising awareness about early breast cancer detection but also to expanding support for communities affected by challenges such as food insecurity.
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.
Windows of Hope Program Continues to Inspire
Alongside Blue Cross NC and the Erik Jones Foundation, drivers participating in the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 will carry forward the Windows of Hope initiative. Each NASCAR Cup Series car will feature a pink window net, signed by the drivers after the race. These signed nets will then be auctioned to raise funds for organizations dedicated to early cancer detection and prevention, a cause close to Erik Jones’ heart.
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 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.
Blue Cross NC’s Broadened Commitment to the Community
For over ten years, Blue Cross NC has partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway to leverage the reach of racing to support local communities. This year, the organization is widening its focus beyond breast cancer awareness to address other pressing issues such as hunger. The goal is to ensure that all North Carolinians have access to essential resources needed to thrive.
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,
explained Cheryl Parquet.
Fans Anticipate a Thrilling NASCAR Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway
The weekend promises high-energy racing with multiple events that offer fans several ways to engage with NASCAR action. The schedule includes the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series on Friday, October 3, the NASCAR Xfinity Series Blue Cross NC 250 on Saturday, October 4, and the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 on Sunday, October 5. Racing enthusiasts can purchase tickets by contacting the ticket office or visiting the speedway website.
The Enduring Impact of Paint Pit Wall Pink and NASCAR’s Role
The Paint Pit Wall Pink event and associated programs like Windows of Hope emphasize the deep connection between motorsports and community causes. By involving survivors, drivers, and supporters, NASCAR events here in North Carolina combine the excitement of racing with meaningful advocacy. Erik Jones’ participation adds a personal element, helping to raise awareness while fostering hope among those impacted by breast cancer. As this tradition grows, it continues to unite fans and community members in efforts that extend well beyond the racetrack.
