Veteran Motorsports journalist Holly Cain had to put her passion project about covering NASCAR on hold this year. Having defeated cancer once already back in 2015, Cain was diagnosed with the wretched illness once again this year. But the disease wasn’t going to dampen her spirits as she embarked on a seven-week journey to defeat the cancer.

On January 7th, 2024, Cain announced that her cancer had returned and that she would be undergoing a grueling seven-week treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment allowed Cain to come to NASCAR reporting, and she marked her return at the Talladega spring race. This display of grit and determination did fuel belief and strength among the racing community. And she was also seen spreading this message at the 2024 NASCAR Awards.

“Don’t normally post pics… but this is one of triumph! At this NASCAR Awards ceremony a year ago I knew my cancer had prob returned and I was right. Underwent 6 months of TOUGH treatment this yr… but i am BACK.. and so thankful! So a lil sparkly tonight! #gratitude,” Holly Cain shares this message along with her photo on X.

She wasn’t alone in this battle, as her fellow motorsports reporters and friends helped set up a fundraiser. Doug Rice from MRN Network was the one who led the charge, and next thing you know, the racing community helped raise $25,000 that helped Cain with her medical and living costs.

Earlier this year, Cain also received an award for her grit in the battle against cancer. She was voted for as the recipient of the NMPA Pocono Spirit Award First Quarter. This is given to members of the motorsport world to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship, and contributions to motorsports as well as acknowledge individuals who fought tragedy, illness, or injury in their hunger to return to racing. At the time, Cain expressed gratitude for the support from the motorsport world. She said, “It means the world to me. How really fortunate I really am in the midst of all these physical challenges – again – to be surrounded by people who care and embrace.”

The motorsports community received well her appearance at the 2024 NASCAR Awards. Many fans and insiders took their social media accounts and celebrated Cain’s impressive comeback run.

NASCAR community celebrates Holly Cain’s comeback story with her 2024 NASCAR Awards appearance

Now it is indeed a commendable feat when a patient beats cancer for the first time. However, Cain did it twice and still came out firing on all cylinders with a short break. Therefore, seeing her healthy and fine, fellow media personnel Jamie Little wrote this via his X account, “What an amazing photo for many reasons. 💪🏼❤️”

Cole Cusumano also followed suit and reacting to Cain’s X message, he wrote, “Let’s go Holly!!!” Cusumano has been covering NASCAR for publications like USA Today, Yahoo Sports, Detriot Free Press, and Kick-In the Tires. This reaction by Cusumano goes on to show the impact Cain had across the media industry among the reporters who cover motorsports.

There’s a streak of awards that Cain has won over the years. She won the NMPA Pocono Spirit Award back in 2015; this award celebrates courage, sportsmanship, and dedication to motorsports. She has also bagged the Henry McLemore Motorsports Press Award and made history by becoming the first woman to receive the Bob Russo Founders Award. So you see, her impact has spread far and wide outside of the NASCAR community. Tipping his hat towards the veteran journalist, a fan replied, “Always admired you Holly but never more than these last few years and your battle with cancer. Keep going!!!”

Even NASCAR’s infamous troller nascarcsm chimed in to celebrate Cain’s story. He initiated a hashtag trend on X with a comment, “#TeamHolly4Ever.” Now, we all know the Xfinity Series handle on social media is always active, and they kept a close tab on NASCAR Awards Day. Seeing Cain share a post about her cancer journey at the ceremony prompted a response on their end, “So great to see you thriving. 💜.”

Another user on X even described Cain as a real-life Wonder Woman for defeating cancer not just once but twice. “And the Wonder Woman award goes to … Holly, who knows that power of positive thinking and prayer is the secret to life. You look stunning! The @NASCAR community is blessed to have you present shining your light so bright. 🤩 ✨ 🦋 🐬 🌈 🦄 💖”

Fans will be eager to tune into Cain’s insights and reporting about NASCAR on a full-time basis for next year.