Photo note: Cover image is of Chase Elliott with last year's paint scheme designer Dani C.
CONCORD, N.C. – The seventh edition of the Chase Elliott Foundation’s “DESI9N TO DRIVE” program benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Children’s) will take place during the July 8-9 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
In partnership with NAPA and Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott’s race car and all elements of his race uniform – racing suit, gloves, shoes and helmet – were designed by two cancer patients at Children’s. This year's theme is summer nights.
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"I’m excited for the return of the DESI9N TO DRIVE program to my home track since it really shines a light on the positive impact Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has on the greater community," Elliott said in a release. "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 theses 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).
"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.
Since being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Corbin went through surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy and now wears hearing aids due to side effects of chemo treatments. The uniform design showcases bis 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 its first six years, the DESI9N TO DRIVE program has raised and donated over $350,000 to Children’s. This year, fans can donate directly to the fundraising campaign here.
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 auction proceeds will go to the Chase Elliott Foundation to benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s. Additionally, a portion of the sales from each die-cast sold of this race car will be donated.
The Chase Elliott Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and financial assistance to well-qualified charitable organizations with an emphasis on helping others live healthier, happier lives.
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In this race in 2022, Elliott earned the victory for the Dawsonville, Georgia, native’s first win at his home track on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit. Tune in to see this special car on track for the race at Atlanta on July 9, at 7 p.m. ET on USA Network, NBC Sports App, PRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
