Much of the sports world paid tribute to Charlie Kirk over the weekend.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed at an event in Utah. The right-wing political influencer was shot in the neck during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The Chicago, Illinois native was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children.
The NFL held a moment of silence for Kirk before Thursday night’s Packers vs. Commanders game. Several NFL teams then held individual moments of silence during games on Sunday. Multiple college football coaches, including Oregon’s Dan Lanning – Kirk was a massive Ducks fan – paid tribute to the political influencer during their postgame press conference on Saturday.
But NASCAR is taking heat for its decision on Kirk.
NASCAR did pay tribute to Kirk in several ways over the weekend. Veteran NASCAR driver Austin Dillon spoke about Kirk before Saturday’s Cup Series race in Tennessee.
“It makes me want to get into the Bible more and learn more about Jesus and try to spread The Word whenever I can,” he said.
Multiple NASCAR drivers chose to have Charlie Kirk decals on their cars, too. And there was a flyover and moment of silence for Kirk at the Bristol Motor Speedway.
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/ArflNDq3i1pic.twitter.com/6r6E9KEykj
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) September 12, 2025
🚨 WOW! NASCAR just had an EPIC flyover while honoring Charlie Kirk on the big screen before their race at Bristol Motor Speedway
The crowd broke out in BIG cheers when Charlie appeared
Loving every single one of these clips! pic.twitter.com/2r40xhLqMt
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 14, 2025
Meanwhile, following Saturday night’s race, winner Christopher Bell paid tribute to Kirk, dedicating his victory to the deceased influencer.
“This one’s for Charlie!” he announced.
Congratulations Christopher Bell! And big props shouting out our boy CHARLIE!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/vdTb3SEOUn
— Brandon DuBois 🇺🇸 (@bdubz1982) September 14, 2025
But NASCAR is taking heat for its social media decision
NASCAR tweeted out a short video of Bell’s post-win speech to the crowd on Sunday evening.
“But Bristol baby, tonight it’s us!” the clip shows.
Well said, Christopher. 👏 pic.twitter.com/ECkkzphms9
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 14, 2025
Interestingly, NASCAR chose not to feature Bell’s comment about dedicating the win to Charlie Kirk.
NASCAR fans are bothered by that decision.
“NASCAR doing what they do best, cutting any and everything conservative out of their programming. LBGT propaganda? Totally fine. Tribute to Charlie Kirk? Not allowed,” one fan wrote.
NASCAR doing what they do best, cutting any and everything conservative out of their programming. LBGT propaganda? Totally fine. Tribute to Charlie Kirk? Not allowed
— Forrest Robbins (@FWRobbins45) September 14, 2025
“SAY HIS NAME,” another added.
SAY HIS NAME pic.twitter.com/l9fpxBJxOW
— Walking Each Other Home ♱ (@MyCup0verFlows) September 14, 2025
“Play the full interview!” one fan added.
Play the full interview!
— Clay (@GhostStalker451) September 14, 2025
“Everything wrong with NASCAR Steve Phelps! This has always been a blue-collar sport. And these clowns running this thing today are exactly what’s ruining it and turning fans away. 1000%,” another fan wrote.
Everything wrong with NASCAR Steve Phelps! This has always been a blue-collar sport. And these clowns running this thing today are exactly what’s ruining it and turning fans away. 1000%
— Kyle (@KyleInVegas) September 14, 2025
NASCAR chose to leave out Bell’s comment on Charlie Kirk, which they are well within their right to do, but clearly, many of the sport’s fans have an issue with the decision.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
