BREAKING: NASCAR driver Christopher Bell dedicated his dramatic victory at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday to Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder who was tragically murdered earlier this week in Utah. This heartfelt tribute comes just days after Kirk was fatally shot on the campus of Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
Bell, driving the #20 DEWALT Toyota, expressed his emotions immediately after his win, stating, “This one’s for Charlie.” The driver acknowledged the weight of the week, saying, “It wasn’t pretty there at the end, but we got her done. Most importantly, this week’s obviously been a very tough week. You know, there’s a lot on our minds.”
Kirk, only 31 years old, was shot and critically injured on Wednesday afternoon and sadly pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was taken into custody following a two-day manhunt.
In the wake of Kirk’s assassination, tributes poured in from across the sports world. Notably, Blake Treinen, a reliever for the Los Angeles Dodgers, wore a hat featuring Kirk’s name and a cross during a game against the San Francisco Giants on Friday. The Chicago Cubs held a “moment of reflection” for Kirk, highlighting his dedication as a lifelong Cubs fan and calling for an end to political violence.
The New York Yankees were the first professional sports team to honor Kirk, observing a moment of silence before their game against the Detroit Tigers on the same day as his death. The NFL also acknowledged the tragedy, announcing that teams could decide how to pay tribute to Kirk in their upcoming games, following a moment of silence during Thursday night’s game between the Green Bay Packers and the Washington Commanders.
“Last night’s moment was the league’s decision. It’s up to the clubs for this Sunday’s games,”
the NFL stated in a release on Friday.
As tributes continue to arise, the impact of Charlie Kirk’s death resonates deeply within the community. The expressions of solidarity from athletes and teams underscore the profound loss felt by many. The NASCAR community, alongside fans and fellow sports figures, mourns a passionate advocate whose life was tragically cut short.
The next steps remain uncertain as investigations continue into Kirk’s murder, and more tributes from various sports leagues are expected in the following days. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
