NASCAR Cup cars will look a little different this weekend at the Charlotte roval with pink window nets. Why is the series using them, and which driver is behind the push?
Pink window nets for Cup cars at Charlotte
For Sunday’s 109 lap affair at the Charlotte roval, the window nets of the Cup cars will be pink.
This is opposed to the regular black.
The window nets are commonly used by drivers to signify that they are not severely injured following an accident.
They lower the nets, so the rescue crews are aware of the condition of the driver before they reach the wreck.
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However, this weekend, they will look different and for a good cause.
In 2019, young fan Mason Bradley wrote to 2004 Cup champion Kurt Busch.
Bradley’s mother was battling breast cancer at the time, and Bradley wondered whether a pink window net could be used in NASCAR to raise awareness of the disease.
The Series itself worked with Busch and Bradley to ensure the switch could go ahead for the one-off race.
Formula One followed a similar initiative at the 2017 United States Grand Prix.
That weekend, track signs were coloured pink, as was the colour of the supersoft tyres in use that weekend.
Teams also carried pink on their cars to raise awareness.
Money to be raised for research post-race
The idea had to be delayed from 2020, due to the pandemic, but the “Window of Hope” idea was not abandoned.
Post-race, each driver who has opted to run a pink window net will sign it.
They will then be auctioned off with the proceeds all going to fund research and treatment of the disease.
Busch will roll off for the green flag in 13th place at the Charlotte roval.
His #1 Chip Ganassi machine is the highest placed non-Playoff driver, with Denny Hamlin on the pole.
The green flag is scheduled to drop at 2:30pm ET on Sunday afternoon.
