Chase Elliott took to the track at Atlanta Motor Speedway on July 12, 2026, piloting a NASCAR Cup Series car adorned with artwork created by two childhood cancer survivors, as part of the 10th anniversary of the Desi9n to Drive initiative.
What happened at Atlanta Motor Speedway?
Elliott drove a custom No. 9 Chevrolet painted with a baseball-themed design merged from drawings by 8-year-old Maximus Peace and 9-year-old Noelle Springer. Maximus, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age two, and Noelle, who completed treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia more than a year ago, were chosen from dozens of submissions to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The car’s scheme, unveiled just before the race, featured bats, gloves, and vibrant colors inspired by the kids’ imaginations.
Why does this matter for Chase Elliott?
This wasn’t just another paint job. It was the culmination of a decade-long mission tied to his legacy beyond wins and poles. Since 2017, the Chase Elliott Foundation, with NAPA Auto Parts as a steadfast partner, has turned patient artwork into full race schemes. Each year, the program raises funds for CHOA. By 2026, it had raised over $545,500, with the 10th campaign pushing the total toward $600,000. Elliott called the partnership with NAPA a game-changer — not for the exposure, but because it gave the kids’ voices a national platform.
How did the community respond?
The race weekend buzzed with support. Families of participating children lined the pit lane. Fans wore shirts bearing the kids’ names. Elliott didn’t win the race, but the emotional weight of the moment overshadowed the final standings. He wore a matching driver suit, shook hands with Maximus and Noelle before the green flag, and later said the real victory was seeing their art on the track — not the checkered flag.
What comes next?
Elliott isn’t pausing. He’s already planning for the next decade. The foundation has no plans to slow down. Each year, new kids submit drawings. Each year, one design becomes a race car. The program’s growth has never been about stats — it’s about showing children in treatment that their creativity matters, even on the biggest stage in NASCAR. As Elliott put it, the real reward is the recognition the program gets throughout the season — and the hope it sparks.
Who supports this effort?
NAPA Auto Parts remains the backbone of Desi9n to Drive. They don’t just sponsor the car — they make the artwork the centerpiece of the entire campaign. No side project. No afterthought. The kids’ drawings are the main event. That commitment, more than any trophy, is what Elliott says keeps the mission alive.