Chase Elliott will debut a brand‑new NAPA/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta paint scheme on his No. 9 Chevrolet at Atlanta Motor Speedway on July 6, 2026, aiming to repeat his 2025 win in the Sunday night Cup Series event.
What is the new scheme?
The livery is the tenth installment of the "DESI9N TO DRIVE" partnership between Hendrick Motorsports and CHOA. Two young patients—Maximus Peace, eight, and Noelle Springer, nine—created a baseball‑themed graphic that wraps the car from nose to tail. The design mirrors Elliott’s fire‑suit, tying the driver’s personal brand to the hospital’s community outreach.
Why does it matter for Chase Elliott?
Elliott’s 2025 triumph at Atlanta came in a wrap designed by 12‑year‑old Rhealynn Mills, making the track a sentimental stop for the 2026 champion. A fresh, kid‑crafted look not only honors the hospital’s mission but also gives the driver a visual cue that could boost confidence. Fans often rally behind such stories, turning the car into a moving billboard for a cause while adding extra motivation for the driver.
Who else is debuting new liveries?
Hendrick teammates are also rolling out fresh looks. William Byron’s No. 24 Chevrolet will feature HP as the primary sponsor for the first time in 2026, marking a significant branding shift. Kyle Larson (No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevy) and Alex Bowman (No. 48 Ally Chevy) will run their standard primary paint schemes, keeping the focus on Elliott’s eye‑catching design amid the 1.54‑mile quad‑oval.
What’s next for the weekend?
The race kicks off Sunday night, with qualifying slated for Saturday afternoon. If Elliott can convert the momentum from his 2025 victory into a strong qualifying run, the new paint could become a talking point throughout the broadcast. Regardless of the outcome, the collaboration highlights Hendrick Motorsports’ ongoing commitment to community partnerships, and the kids’ artwork will be on display in the pit lane for fans to see up close.
How will the fans react?
Early social‑media chatter shows excitement, with many fans sharing the artwork and tagging the hospital. The "DESI9N TO DRIVE" series has built a reputation for turning race cars into canvases for young talent, and this year’s baseball motif is already generating buzz. Expect a surge in merchandise featuring the design, giving CHOA additional exposure beyond the race weekend.
What does this mean for the championship battle?
Atlanta is a pivotal stop on the 2026 Cup calendar, offering 100 points to the winner. Elliott’s strong performance here could tighten his gap to the points leader, especially if he capitalizes on the home‑track advantage. A win would also reinforce his reputation as a driver who thrives under the pressure of fan‑driven narratives.
The stage is set, the paint is fresh, and the kids’ designs are ready to race. All eyes will be on Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Chevy as it hits the track this weekend.