Christopher Bell’s latest assignment doesn’t involve outmaneuvering opponents at 200 mph.
It’s about something much more important than any checkered flag.
And Christopher Bell just got handed one responsibility that will make every NASCAR fan’s heart swell.
Bell’s No. 20 car becomes a canvas for hope
CRAFTSMAN®, a Stanley Black & Decker brand (NYSE: SWK), is proudly teaming up once again with the Ace Hardware Foundation and NASCAR driver Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing for the 19th Annual Racing for a Miracle program, which supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals).¹
But this year’s Racing for a Miracle program is special.
Ten children from the hospital will be honorary junior crew members for NASCAR driver Christopher Bell and Junior crew members’ art will be featured on Bell’s No. 20 car in the July 6 race.¹
That’s right – kids battling serious medical challenges will see their artwork racing around the track at nearly 200 miles per hour.
The ten children are from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, and they’re about to become part of NASCAR history.¹
The donation to the Ace Hardware Foundation will take place during a tailgate at Ace Hardware corporate headquarters. At the tailgate, CRAFTSMAN, Ace Hardware and Christopher Bell will unveil the design for 2025 CRAFTSMAN Racing for a Miracle car with the help of ten children from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.¹
The numbers that matter most
Here’s what makes this program incredible.
Since 2006, Stanley Black & Decker and its brands have contributed more than $1.9 million to the Racing for a Miracle program.¹
But wait – there’s more.
This year, CRAFTSMAN is donating $100,000 to the Ace Hardware Foundation in support of CMN Hospitals.¹
The program provides funding for vital treatments and healthcare services for children and their families at 170 CMN Hospitals across the U.S. and Canada.¹
Think about that for a second.
Almost two decades of consistent support for sick kids.
Nearly two million dollars raised to help families when they need it most.
And now, ten brave children get to watch their artwork speed around a NASCAR track.
Christopher Bell’s winning streak takes on new meaning
Bell’s been on fire this season.
He owns 12 career wins at the Cup level, most recently winning the 2025 All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. He owns three points-paying victories in 2025, the latest coming at Phoenix Raceway in March. The win marked three consecutive victories, becoming the 29th driver in history to accomplish that feat.²
Three straight wins puts him in elite company.
But here’s what really matters – Bell has consistently used his platform to support children’s hospitals.
Christopher Bell started fourth, won both stages, and led a race-high 37 laps in the inaugural Chicago Street Race last July.³
Last year in Chicago, Bell was running strong in the CRAFTSMAN Racing for a Miracle car before circumstances beyond his control derailed his chances.
This year, he gets another shot at giving these kids a victory they’ll never forget.
The real champions aren’t always in Victory Lane
According to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, "Every minute, 72 children enter a member hospital" and "Each year, our hospitals provide 38 million patient visits."⁴
The organization states that contributions "have helped us fund over $9 billion in vital pediatric care."⁴
Those are the numbers that really count.
"For nearly 20 years, we have seen firsthand the impact Racing for a Miracle, and our partnership with Ace Hardware Foundation and CMN Hospitals, has had for children and their families. We’re always so inspired by their stories, and their strength and perseverance," said Tony Merritt, Vice President of Sponsorships for Stanley Black & Decker.¹
The kids who’ll see their artwork on Bell’s car aren’t just getting a cool experience.
They’re getting hope.
They’re getting to be part of something bigger than themselves.
And they’re showing everyone watching that courage comes in all sizes.
Ace Hardware sweetens the deal
Ace Hardware is celebrating CRAFTSMAN’s continued support of the Ace Hardware Foundation and the Racing for a Miracle program by offering customers 20% off select CRAFTSMAN V20 Power Tools, Outdoor Power Equipment and Accessories.
This offer is exclusive to Ace Hardware and is valid June 25 through July 31 in-store and online.¹
Smart move by Ace Hardware.
They’re not just supporting the program – they’re giving customers a chance to save money while supporting a great cause.
The timing couldn’t be better, with the race happening July 6.
What this really means
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. They’ve raised over $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and they’re not done yet.¹
This isn’t just about corporate sponsors writing checks.
This is about using the power of NASCAR to give sick kids something to cheer about.
When Christopher Bell hits the track on July 6, he’ll be carrying more than just sponsor logos.
He’ll be carrying the hopes and dreams of ten children who’ve faced challenges most adults couldn’t imagine.
And if he can deliver them a victory?
That would be the kind of miracle that makes all the other wins pale in comparison.
The real champions in this story aren’t necessarily the ones crossing the finish line first.
They’re the ones who turn their pain into purpose and their struggles into strength.
Those ten kids from Chicago are about to show the world what true courage looks like.
Sources:
- CRAFTSMAN, "CRAFTSMAN®, Ace Hardware Foundation and Joe Gibbs Racing Team Up for Annual Racing for a Miracle Program," PR Newswire, July 2, 2025.
- NASCAR.com, "Christopher Bell NASCAR Driver Page | Stats, Results, Bio," accessed July 2, 2025.
- Speedway Digest, "Christopher Bell – No. 20 CRAFTSMAN Racing for a Miracle Toyota Camry XSE Preview – Chicago Street Course," July 3, 2024.
- Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, official website, accessed July 2, 2025.