EJF Awards $100,000 in Year-End Grants
01/05/2026October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, remember those we have lost, and continue the work of expanding access to early detection and care.
For the Erik Jones Foundation, it is also a fitting time to look back at the history of Window of Hope, a program that began with one NASCAR fan’s idea and has grown into an industry-wide effort supporting breast cancer programs across the country.
The Beginning:
Window of Hope began with an idea from NASCAR fan Mason Bradley, whose mother was fighting breast cancer at the time. Wanting to turn that personal experience into something positive, Mason brought forward the concept that eventually became Window of Hope.
Mason Bradley and Kurt Busch presenting first Window of Hope net.
The program was originally led by Kurt Busch, using pink NASCAR window nets during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer detection and care. Over time, the pink net became a recognizable symbol of support within the NASCAR community.
When Kurt stepped away from competition, he wanted Window of Hope to remain connected to a current NASCAR driver. He was familiar with Erik Jones’ charitable work and knew that breast cancer was a deeply personal cause for Erik and his family. Erik’s mother, Carol Jones, is a breast cancer survivor, making the Erik Jones Foundation a natural home for the next chapter of the program.
Erik Jones Foundation Takes Over:
Erik presenting his mother, Carol, a breast cancer survivor, with a pink Window of Hope net.
Since taking over Window of Hope, the Erik Jones Foundation has continued to grow the effort and expand its impact.
Over the years, Window of Hope has generated at least $270,000 to support breast cancer detection and care. In the three years since the Erik Jones Foundation took over the program, Window of Hope has raised more than $120,000, helping fund programs serving patients and families in communities across the country. Support has gone to organizations including the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Hurley Foundation in Flint, Michigan, Atrium Health’s Project PINK in Charlotte, and the Superior Health Foundation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, along with other partners working to expand access to screening, early detection and care.
Erik Jones speaking about the program at Paint the Wall Pink at Charlotte Motor Speedway
But the impact of Window of Hope has always gone beyond dollars raised.
The program has brought together drivers, teams, partners and NASCAR fans around a common cause. Each pink net has represented support for survivors, families navigating a diagnosis, and organizations working every day to improve breast cancer outcomes.
Erik with Window of Hope supporters, volunteers and a breast cancer survivor.
A New Chapter in 2026:
Window of Hope looks different this year.
Because our traditional pink window nets were not available for production in 2026, the Foundation faced a choice: take a year off or find a new way to move the mission forward. We chose to keep going.
This year, Window of Hope has evolved into Window of Hope Steps Up, with NASCAR drivers across the sport donating autographed, race-worn shoes for a special online auction. We are also carrying one important piece of the original program forward. A remaining pink Window of Hope net has been signed by drivers from across the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series field. The special “One Net. An Entire Field.” collectible will be included alongside the race-worn shoes in this year’s auction.
The 2026 auction will feature one pink net signed by the NASCAR Cup Series field, along with race-worn shoes donated by drivers across NASCAR’s three national series.
The format may have changed, but the purpose has not. Window of Hope remains about bringing the NASCAR community together to support breast cancer detection and care, honor survivors and families, and help fund programs that can make a meaningful difference.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, we are proud to celebrate how far Window of Hope has come and grateful to every fan, driver, team, partner and supporter who has helped carry the mission forward.
From one fan’s idea, to a program carried forward by Kurt Busch, to the Erik Jones Foundation’s continued leadership today, Window of Hope has always been about people stepping up for one another.
In 2026, that continues in a new way.
