Richard Childress Racing paid tribute to Charlie Kirk during the first elimination race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs at Bristol Motor Speedway by displaying a special memorial decal on all five of its cars. The Richard Childress Charlie Kirk tribute honored the late conservative activist, following his death during a university appearance just days earlier.
Memorial Decal Featured on Childress Cars During Key NASCAR Weekend
Kirk, who was 31, lost his life on September 10 after he was struck by a gunshot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem as part of his American Comeback tour. The incident occurred during a Q&A session in front of a large audience, and although staff rushed him from the stage, he did not survive his injuries. Authorities identified Tyler Robinson as the suspect, with legal proceedings pending.
Richard Childress Racing confirmed that each of its cars carried the commemorative decal in Kirk’s honor, spanning both its NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series teams. Drivers Austin Hill and Jesse Love displayed the decal in the Xfinity Series, and Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon, as well as Hill’s part-time entry, bore the tribute in the Cup Series playoff event.
Richard Childress spoke about the significance of the gesture in an interview:
“Because number one Charlie, he loved this country, he loved God, he loved his family. I met Charlie probably 10 years ago at a fundraiser. I was in Washington DC when this senseless senseless murder happened, and I asked a friend of mine, Johnny Morris (owner) with Bass Pro Shops, I said, ‘Johnny, I want to put a tribute to Charlie on the car.’ He said, ‘Take some off and put it under it.’ It’s so important for us to be able to honor our great friend and great American patriot.”
— Richard Childress, NASCAR Team Owner
Reflections on Political Violence and National Climate
Kirk’s passing leaves behind a wife and two children, amplifying wider anxieties over politically motivated violence in the United States. Reports indicate that there have been over 150 such incidents within the first half of this year, nearly double from the same timeframe in the previous year. The shooting occurred amidst an ongoing national debate on gun violence, further intensified by a recent tragic shooting at a Minneapolis school that resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others.
Charlie Kirk was recognized as a steadfast proponent of the Second Amendment, a stance that often attracted both praise and criticism. In response to questions about the broader environment in the country, Childress shared his perspective:
“Not at all. And some of the crazy stuff that you hear that these people come up with, I can’t believe it. In my lifetime I have never seen times like this in America. We have got the greatest country on earth, if you have been to other countries… The one thing they hate us for, is we have the one thing they don’t and that’s freedom.”
— Richard Childress, NASCAR Team Owner
Throughout the pivotal Bristol weekend, NASCAR acknowledged Kirk’s legacy by showcasing his image inside the “Last Colosseum,” highlighting the reach and influence he had well beyond his political endeavors.
Austin Dillon Shares Personal Reasons for Participating in the Tribute
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol already held major playoff implications, serving as the opening elimination event in the 2025 Cup Series postseason. For Austin Dillon, Richard Childress’ grandson, this race was even more pivotal, as he needed a win to progress further in the playoffs while honoring Kirk’s memory on his vehicle.
Dillon spoke candidly about the emotional motivation behind carrying the tribute, stating:
“First of all, it’s a tragic incident where a man’s life was taken and he leaves behind two children and a wife, and I look up to his heroism when it comes to standing for God. I love some of his teachings of the Bible, his ability to debate without really attacking someone. I thought that it’s just a very sad day. All I know is it makes me want to get into the Bible more and learn more about Jesus and try and spread the word whenever I can.”
— Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Race Results and Competitive Fallout for Richard Childress Racing
The unpredictable Bristol event was marked by unexpected tire wear problems early in the race, leaving teams scrambling for solutions as tires degraded sooner than forecasted. Austin Dillon, starting 23rd, struggled to make gains and ultimately finished in 28th place, leading to his elimination from the championship along with competitors Josh Berry, Shane van Gisbergen, and Alex Bowman.
Challenges extended into the Xfinity Series for Richard Childress Racing, where both Austin Hill and Jesse Love endured disappointing runs, finishing 19th and 25th respectively. Their placements pushed both drivers below the Round of 12 playoff cutline, with two decisive races remaining in the segment.
Significance of the Tribute and Ongoing National Questions
The Richard Childress Charlie Kirk tribute at Bristol Motor Speedway highlighted how motorsports can serve as a platform for public commemoration during challenging times. With ongoing concerns about political violence and gun-related incidents making national headlines, the tribute reflected deeper divides—and calls for unity—within the country. As the NASCAR season moves forward, the actions of Richard Childress Racing and visible commemorations like these continue to draw widespread attention to the people and principles being honored both on and off the track.
Austin Dillon spoke a bit about RCR's decision to honor Charlie Kirk at Bristol. He had admired Kirk's teachings about the Bible as well as debating without attacking others and said his death is a tragedy.
"It makes me want to get into the Bible more and learn more about Jesus… https://t.co/ArflNDq3i1 pic.twitter.com/6r6E9KEykj
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) September 12, 2025
