This weekend, William Byron faces high stakes in the Roval elimination race amid the NASCAR Playoffs, but his car’s unique paint design highlights a cause beyond racing. Partnering with Valvoline and Blood Cancer United, Byron uses his platform this weekend to bring attention to pediatric blood cancer through a specially designed car.
Collaboration Highlights Blood Cancer Awareness Ahead of Playoffs
Last Friday before the Kansas race, Byron visited Valvoline’s Global Headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky to unveil a distinctive paint scheme supporting Blood Cancer United. The initiative involved input from four courageous pediatric blood cancer survivors—Penelope, William, Natiya, and Wren—who helped design the artwork on Byron’s car.
The design features whimsical elements including confetti, planets, stars, a unicorn, and a bunny, symbolizing hope and resilience. Hendrick Motorsports, Byron’s racing team, joined forces with Valvoline and Blood Cancer United to bring this impactful project to life.
The sounds of a scheme with a greater cause. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/UzDq3XwR02
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick)
Byron expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration during a conversation with 5GOATs, emphasizing the meaningfulness of the partnership.
Yeah, it does [mean a lot],
Byron said.
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.
Social media buzz applauded the playful design. One commentator wrote:
Confetti and unicorns? Car was made for Victory Lane. pic.twitter.com/fkfU9PT6fB
— Jonathan Howard (@Jondean25)
Valvoline’s Global President and CEO, Jamal Muashsher, was present at the Lexington event and underscored the significance of the partnership and the message behind the paint scheme.
I think first it starts with our purpose as an organization, which is to inspire and enable those who move the world forward,
Muashsher explained.
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.
For Byron, the weekend’s race carries both competitive and emotional weight, given the sponsorships and the children involved.
William Byron Aims for Victory at His Home Track in NASCAR Playoffs
The NASCAR Playoffs approach a critical point, with four drivers set to be eliminated after Sunday’s race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Roval. William Byron holds a comfortable 40-point lead above the cutoff line, yet the pressure remains intense to perform well on this challenging circuit.
Earlier in the season, Byron delivered a commanding performance at the Coca-Cola 600, also held at Charlotte’s oval track, but ultimately lost the win due to a last-minute pass by Ross Chastain. Securing a win at his home track would be a major achievement for Byron.
I think it would mean a lot,
Byron shared about a potential victory at Charlotte.
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.
While his points advantage offers some breathing room, Byron still faces significant pressure not only to advance to the Round of 8 but to deliver a standout result that honors the special cause his car supports.
Competition Intensifies With Road Course Rival Shane van Gisbergen
Byron’s past Roval results are strong; he finished second and third over the last two seasons and most recently earned third and ninth places in consecutive races. However, an imposing competitor looms: Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand driver chasing his fifth consecutive road course victory.
Byron recognizes the challenge van Gisbergen presents but remains cautiously optimistic about his chances to disrupt the streak at Charlotte.
Yeah, definitely changes things a little bit,
Byron said regarding SVG’s dominance.
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.
Byron hopes to be the driver who ends van Gisbergen’s winning run while balancing the stakes of the NASCAR Playoffs and the personal importance of the race’s cause.
Byron’s Weekend Combines Racing Ambition With Meaningful Impact
As William Byron competes for a breakthrough playoff victory, his race car also serves as a moving tribute to pediatric blood cancer survivors and the ongoing fight to develop innovative treatments. The collaboration between Hendrick Motorsports, Valvoline, and Blood Cancer United offers a powerful platform that elevates awareness during one of NASCAR’s most critical weekends.
The success of this initiative may encourage further partnerships that blend competitive sports with impactful social causes, inspiring fans and communities beyond the racetrack.
Looking ahead, Byron’s performance on the Roval will be closely watched, both for its implications in the playoff standings and its role in promoting William Byron Blood Cancer Awareness, a cause that resonates deeply within his racing circle and beyond.
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
