CONCORD N.C. -- The annual “DESI9N TO DRIVE” auction is now live for the Chase Elliott Foundation benefitting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
In support of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s in Atlanta submitted their artwork to be featured on No. 9 driver Chase Elliott’s car, firesuit, helmet, gloves and shoes through his “DESI9N TO DRIVE” program.
The race-worn gear sported by Elliott for this weekend’s playoff event at Darlington Raceway will be auctioned through his foundation, as well as the patient-designed shoes that will be worn by Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson, William Byron and Alex Bowman.
In previous years, Children’s patients have only designed shoes for the four drivers, but this year marks the first time Elliott’s entire Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, helmet, firesuit and gloves will have unique patient designs. In conjunction with NAPA AUTO PARTS, the No. 9 Chevy was designed by 15-year-old Mary Frances Webb, the helmet was created by Rocco Corsini (age 10), the firesuit created by Isadri Hernandez (14), Briley Lamon (10) designed the gloves and 11-year-old Nolan Madsen created Elliott’s shoe pattern.
“It is just something different, we all try to come up with unique ideas to help a good cause and for us, this was one that I felt made sense,” Elliott said. “It’s been a way to get kids involved from children’s to linking my teammates here and make it a little bigger than just me. It was a unique way to do something different and I feel like it has fit us fairly well.”
Lex Stolle (12) took part in creating Larson’s shoes, Branson Gibby (6) took his artistic ability to Byron’s shoes and Elise Sullens (8) designed Bowman’s kicks.
“I appreciate my teammates being a part and being open to helping our cause,” Elliott said. “It’s been a good deal; every year we have done it’s been successful, and people have enjoyed it. Their contribution has made it bigger, and I have always been grateful for that.”
Starting Thursday, patrons can visit this link to start bidding on the specially designed gear. The auction will run from Sept. 2 starting at 3 p.m. ET to Sept. 8 at 3 p.m. ET. All proceeds will go to the Chase Elliott Foundation to benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s. To see all the gear up for auction, click here.