Chase Elliott Foundation Continuing 'DESI9N TO DRIVE' Program at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Chase Elliott, in collaboration with NAPA and Hendrick Motorsports, will carry a special paint scheme and race uniform - designed by a pair of cancer patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta - at Atlanta Motor Speedway in July.
The Chase Elliott Foundation - in collaboration with NAPA Auto Parts and Hendrick Motorsports - will continue its annual "DESI9N TO DRIVE" program at Atlanta Motor Speedway in July, with proceeds from the program benefitting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
This season, the program will see NASCAR's Most Popular Driver have his No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro and all the elements of his race uniform - suit, gloves, shoes, and helmet - designed by two cancer patients at Children's utilizing the theme summer nights.
"I'm excited for the return of the DESI9N TO DRIVE program to my home track since it shines a light on the positive impact Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has on the greater community," said Elliott. "With the race being run at night, I hope it creates an even greater atmosphere than years past. I can’t wait for everyone to see these summer nights-themed designs come to life at the racetrack."
The DESI9N TO DRIVE program received dozens of submissions from patients of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's. The selected designs were made by 13-year-old Kayleb Duran Rodriguez (paint scheme) and 11-year-old Alex Corbin (race uniform).
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"We are very excited that two of our patients will have the chance to show off their creativity at an event that they will never forget," Beth Buursema, senior development director at the Children's Foundation, said. "The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is one of the largest pediatric cancer and blood disorders programs in the nation, caring for more than 8,900 pediatric patients every year. This continued collaboration will bring hope to our patients while furthering our mission of making kids better today and healthier tomorrow."
Duran-Rodriguez was diagnosed with leukemia in 2020. His paint scheme design for the No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 shows his love of campfires with family and friends.
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Since being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Corbin has been through surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. Due to the side effects of the chemotherapy, Corbin must wear hearing aids. The uniform design showcases his love for s'mores on warm summer nights.
"We are pleased to support this wonderful campaign and the kids at Children’s for another year," Marti Walsh, vice president of marketing, NAPA, said. "We’re so proud of our longstanding relationship with the Chase Elliott Foundation and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and are excited to see the impact this event has on the greater Atlanta community every year."
Over the first six years of the DESI9N TO DRIVE program, the Chase Elliott Foundation has raised and donated more than $350,000 to Children's. This year, fans can donate directly to the fundraising campaign, via the program's website.
From July 5 to July 12, elements of Elliott's racing uniform and VIP race experiences will be auctioned off via the NASCAR Foundation's auction page on eBay. All proceeds from those online auctions will be forwarded to the Chase Elliott Foundation, in order to donate to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s.
Additionally, a portion of the sales from each die-cast sold of this paint scheme will be donated.
This season, Elliott approaches the second half of the season looking for a victory, in order to ensure himself a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Last year, Elliott scored a victory in the summer event at Atlanta, his first victory at his home track.
All images courtesy of Hendrick Motorsports