Kyle Larson heads into the Talladega Superspeedway race carrying more than just speed. Two key names tied to Hendrick Motorsports now hold special meaning in his journey. With quiet moments of respect and powerful gestures on the track, Larson prepares for a race marked by emotion. A memorial decal. A moving message. One win that meant much more. The full story behind these tributes reveals how the past shapes the present at one of NASCAR’s biggest stages.
Key Highlights
- Kyle Larson pays tribute to Dr. Jerry Petty, a significant figure in NASCAR, with a memorial decal on his car at Talladega.
- Larson honors late PR representative Jon Edwards, acknowledging his profound influence on Larson’s career during his Bristol win.
- Dr. Petty’s contributions are celebrated by Hendrick Motorsports, with all team cars displaying a decal in his memory.
- Jon Edwards was pivotal in Jeff Gordon’s success and later supported Larson’s championship achievements with the #5 team.
- The tributes highlight the deep personal connections within Hendrick Motorsports ahead of the Talladega race.
Hendrick Motorsports Honors Dr. Jerry Petty at Talladega
As the NASCAR community gathers at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend, Hendrick Motorsports will honor the late Dr. Jerry Petty, a revered figure in the world of stock car racing.
Dr. Petty, who passed away at the age of 90, was a pioneering neurosurgeon and a trusted medical consultant for countless drivers and teams. Graduating from the University of North Carolina Medical School in 1960, he contributed considerably to the sport’s medical department, offering his expertise to legendary drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Tifft.
In tribute, all four Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet race cars, including that of Kyle Larson, will display a memorial decal at Talladega. This gesture reflects Dr. Petty’s enduring legacy within the NASCAR community.
“This weekend, all four Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet race cars will carry a memorial decal at Talladega Superspeedway honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Jerry Petty.”
“A pioneering neurosurgeon and trusted medical consultant to countless drivers and teams, Dr. Petty was a beloved figure in the NASCAR community.” – Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports will have a sticker honoring prominent neurosurgeon Dr. Jerry Petty, who helped several NASCAR drivers work through ailments, including @DaleJr and Matt Tifft. Petty passed away this week. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/rKoYw5g9VF
— The Racing Experts (@TheRacnExperts) April 24, 2025
Acknowledging his profound impact, Hendrick Motorsports emphasized the deep respect and admiration held for Dr. Petty, highlighting his role as a beloved figure in the racing world.
Paint Schemes and Race Details for Talladega
Talladega’s race weekend brings a mix of familiar and fresh appearances for Hendrick Motorsports. The drivers are poised to take on the Jack Link’s 500 at the 2.66-mile Alabama track, where tactical execution will be key.
Among the notable changes, Chase Elliott will debut an eye-catching Amazon Prime livery, setting his #9 Chevrolet Camaro apart from the field.
Meanwhile, other Hendrick drivers will stay with their established looks:
- Kyle Larson will pilot the #5 car with its recognizable HendrickCars.com livery, aiming to capitalize on its proven success.
- William Byron will run in the #24 car featuring the classic Valvoline design, a nod to racing heritage.
- Alex Bowman will sport the #48 car adorned in Ally Financial’s livery, aligning with his consistent performance theme.
The race is scheduled for April 27 at 3:00 p.m. ET, marking it as the first superspeedway and second drafting-style race of the year.
Hendrick Motorsports Drivers’ 2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series has seen Hendrick Motorsports drivers make a strong impact, building on their tactical appearances at Talladega.
William Byron leads the championship standings, having secured a critical victory at the prestigious Daytona 500. His consistent performances have established him as a formidable contender early in the season.
Kyle Larson, a driver known for his precision and tactical skill, ranks fourth with two victories, showing his ability to adapt and excel across varied circuits.
Meanwhile, Chase Elliott, maintaining a steady pace, resides in fifth place, demonstrating resilience and competitiveness.
Alex Bowman, positioned in 10th, highlights the depth of talent within the Hendrick lineup, contributing valuable points to the team’s standings.
Collectively, their performance emphasizes Hendrick Motorsports’ commitment to excellence and tactical dominance in the sport, positioning them as a powerhouse team with a promising path in the 2025 season.
Kyle Larson Honors Jon Edwards After Bristol Win
Following his commanding win at Bristol Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson paid tribute to Jon Edwards, his late PR representative and Hendrick Motorsports’ director of racing communication.
Larson’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, leading 411 of 500 laps and defeating the previous year’s Food City 500 winner, Denny Hamlin, by 2.250 seconds. In his post-race interview, Larson expressed a heartfelt wish to have shared the victory with Edwards, who had been a notable figure in his career since joining the #5 team in 2021.
“This one’s definitely for Jon (Edwards). He’s just a great guy, so we’re going to miss him. Successful weekend here. Wish he was going to be here with us to celebrate, but I know he’s celebrating with us in spirit.” – Kyle Larson
- Legacy: Edwards, instrumental in Jeff Gordon’s early successes, shifted to the #5 team, witnessing Larson’s initial championship win.
- Performance: Larson’s Bristol conquest mirrored his past success at the same venue, further cementing his reputation.
- Tribute: Larson acknowledged Edwards’ enduring spirit and influence in his victory speech.
- Absence: Despite the lack of disclosure regarding Edwards’ passing, his impact remains profound.
News in Brief: Kyle Larson Tribute at Talladega
As the NASCAR community prepared for the intense Talladega battle, Kyle Larson’s heartfelt tributes to Dr. Jerry Petty and Jon Edwards highlighted the profound impact these Hendrick icons had on his career. Their contributions resonated not only with Larson but also with the entire Hendrick Motorsports team, reflecting a legacy of excellence and fellowship. As the race approached, the team carried forward this spirit, motivated by past achievements and ready to tackle the challenges of the 2025 season.
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