Chase Elliott is ready to return to Atlanta Motor Speedway, now EchoPark Speedway, with his ‘DESI9N TO DRIVE’ initiative, an artistic collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Introduced in 2017, the program has raised nearly half a million dollars over eight years through a partnership between the Chase Elliott Foundation, NAPA, and Hendrick Motorsports.
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This year, the ninth edition of the initiative, Elliott’s No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, his firesuit, and helmet will showcase a design created by 11-year-old pediatric cancer patient Rhealynn Mills. Her concept features a blue-and-white base, reflecting her aspiration to become a nurse. Mills was diagnosed with Metastatic Osteosarcoma in October 2022 after an injury during a softball game led to a second medical opinion.
Even after the amputation of her right leg, 19 surgeries, and the use of a prosthetic, she remains determined to return to the sport she loves. The livery she designed includes gold childhood cancer ribbons, a stethoscope, heart monitors, and bandages, symbolizing her journey and dedication.
Mills’ artwork also displays the phrases “Cure cancer” and “Helping kids like me,” flanking a nurse illustration. The rear decklid features Psalm 46:5: “God is within you, you will not fail,” which weaves her faith into the design.
The NAPA Auto Parts logo appears across a bandage, while a large gold ribbon with wings anchors the scheme from above.
“It’s been our foundation’s initiative over the last nine years. It’s just all in support of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,” Elliott said, speaking about the initiative.
“We have typically done something around the Atlanta race every year, and it’s been a lot of fun to be a part of it and watch it grow… Then NAPA got involved, and really, when NAPA got involved, it kind of took it to the next step, because they have given up one of their races to let this happen,” added the 2020 Cup Series champion.
Elliott is eager to meet Rhealynn, who designed the scheme for his car and helmet, and is looking forward to welcoming her and her family to the track. The HMS driver added that he hopes to bring some happiness to them while continuing to support a meaningful cause.
Praising NAPA’s involvement, he said he is proud of the partnership and called it a privilege to be part of the effort.
Elliott, who won at the 1.5-mile oval in 2022, enters this weekend’s event as the No. 5 seed in the inaugural In-Season Challenge — a five-week, bracket-style tournament.
