Every October, Chevrolet brings one of the most meaningful traditions in motorsport back to the track. The iconic pink Corvette Stingray has returned for 2026, pacing the NASCAR Cup Series field at Talladega Superspeedway and Martinsville Speedway as part of Chevrolet’s ongoing commitment to the fight against breast cancer. This year marks Chevrolet’s 16th consecutive year partnering with the American Cancer Society in support of its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative, and the 2026 campaign is the most expansive yet. This year’s program ties donations to five NASCAR Cup Series races, creating more opportunities than ever before to generate meaningful support for breast cancer research and awareness. Chevrolet will donate $1,500 for each Team Chevy driver who finishes in the top 10 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Phoenix Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Martinsville Speedway, with total donations up to $25,000 across all five events. At Talladega and Martinsville, where the pink Corvette Stingray serves as the official pace car, Chevrolet will also contribute $500 for every caution lap led by the pace car, again up to $25,000. When you add it all together, the potential impact of this year’s campaign is significant. To put that in perspective, in 2025 Chevrolet raised more than $1.7 million for the American Cancer Society, including $32,500 generated directly through the NASCAR campaign. The program has become one of the most visible and impactful charity initiatives in professional motorsport. “Each October, our motorsports platform gives us a powerful opportunity to turn the visibility of NASCAR into meaningful support for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer,” said Alyssa Haba, Senior Manager of Motorsports Marketing and Activation for Chevrolet. “With the pink Corvette Stingray returning to the track and donations tied to five Cup Series races, this year’s campaign creates more opportunities to make an impact and advance the fight against breast cancer.” The pink Corvette Stingray made its 2026 on-track debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the South Point 400 on October 4, before returning as the official pace car at Talladega Superspeedway on October 25 and Martinsville Speedway on November 1 for the penultimate race of The Chase. If you have not had a chance to catch it on track yet, Martinsville is your last opportunity to see it in action this season. At Maritime Chevrolet, we are proud to represent a brand that uses its platform to make a real difference in people’s lives. Stop by and see us, and join Chevrolet in supporting the fight against breast cancer this October.
Employee Spotlight – Meet Ralph Cascella, Service Manager
Behind every great service department is a leader who sets the tone. At Maritime Chevrolet, that person is Ralph Cascella! As our Service Manager, Ralph brings 38 years of automotive industry experience, an unmatched work ethic, and a genuine passion for the people he serves and everything he does. This month, we are proud to shine the spotlight on one of the most dedicated members of our team. A Career Built on Commitment Ralph grew up right here in Trumbull, Connecticut, and after graduating from Trumbull High School, he found his calling in the automotive business. Nearly four decades later, he has never looked back. For the past 20 years, Ralph has called Maritime Chevrolet home, and his dedication to this dealership is the kind that is simply impossible to manufacture. “I treat Maritime Chevy as my own business,” Ralph says. “I go above and beyond what I’m asked.” That is not just a phrase for Ralph. It is a way of operating. He is typically the first one through the door in the morning and the last one to leave at night. In one memorable example of just how far he will go, Ralph once spent the night at the dealership when the highway was closing so that he could get the driveway paved and have the doors open for customers the very next morning. That is the kind of dedication that defines a career. Ask Ralph about his proudest moment at Maritime Chevrolet and his answer is both honest and heartfelt. “Ten years ago, when the dealership changed ownership, they kept me on as their service manager.” For someone who pours as much of himself into his work as Ralph does, that kind of trust and recognition from ownership means everything. He is quick to share his gratitude as well. “I really enjoy my job at Maritime. Thank you to Eric and the Hodge family for all of their support.” That mutual respect between Ralph and the leadership team at Maritime Chevrolet is a big part of what makes our service department the well-run, customer-first operation that it is. When you ask Ralph what he loves most about the automotive industry, the answer has nothing to do with cars. “The relationships that I have built with customers and employees,” he says without hesitation. “And there is a new challenge every day.” After 38 years, that combination of connection and variety is what keeps Ralph as engaged and motivated as ever. Life Outside the Shop Those who know Ralph from his no-nonsense, get-it-done approach at the dealership might be surprised to learn about the softer side he keeps close to home. In the spring and summer, you will find him surf casting along the Connecticut shoreline or out trout fishing with his grandson, Chase. When fall and winter arrive, Ralph trades the water for his tree stand, spending quiet mornings in nature with his thoughts and a great view. And when it comes to what he truly cannot live without? That answer is simple and sincere: his time with his wife Leslie and his grandchildren. His dream car, fittingly for a man who has spent nearly four decades in the Chevrolet world, is a 1966 Chevelle SS 396. Classic, powerful, and timeless, just like Ralph himself. Twenty years of leadership, countless customers served, and a standard of excellence that runs through everything our service department does. We are incredibly grateful to have Ralph Cascella at the helm, and we hope this spotlight gives our customers a chance to appreciate the person who works so hard every day to make sure their experience at Maritime Chevrolet is a great one. Next time you bring your vehicle in for service, take a moment to say hello to Ralph. We have a feeling you will be glad you did!