Eleven‑year‑old Lucas Stone from Bassett, Virginia, captured the imagination of NASCAR fans when his hand‑drawn banner was selected as the winner of the annual Kids Color PPG contest, a program that invites children to design pit‑wall artwork celebrating the sport’s heritage.
Stone’s design blends the American flag, a soaring bald eagle and a sleek racing car, a visual tribute that mirrors his own patriotic sentiment and love of the high‑speed competition that has defined his family’s life for four generations.
A Generational Celebration
The young creator’s connection to the sport runs deep; he regularly visits his great‑grandfather to announce upcoming races and has spent countless evenings replaying classic NASCAR events, a passion that culminated in a once‑in‑a‑lifetime invitation to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
NASCAR driver Josh Berry welcomed Lucas and his family to the historic Brickyard, praising the Kids Color PPG initiative for its power to bring younger audiences into the racing fold, while the Wood Brothers Racing team extended a VIP experience that underscored the sport’s long‑standing community ties.
Adam Tropter, this year’s recipient of the Rod Campbell Award and an intern with Ford Racing, authored the piece, highlighting how the contest not only showcases youthful creativity but also reinforces the cultural fabric that binds fans, drivers and teams across decades.
The story of Lucas Stone reflects a broader narrative of intergenerational enthusiasm, where a simple banner becomes a bridge between the past and the future of American motorsport.