Richard Childress opens up on RCR cars sporting ‘Great American Patriot’ Charlie Kirk’s decal as tribute at Bristol Cup race

Richard Childress and his team paid tribute to late conservative activist Charlie Kirk by carrying a memorial decal on all five of their cars at Bristol Motor Speedway. The tribute came during one of the season’s most important weekends, the first elimination race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

Kirk, 31, was killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem as part of his “American Comeback” tour. A single gunshot fired from a rooftop struck him in the neck during a Q&A session in front of a large campus crowd. He was rushed from the stage by staff but succumbed to his injuries. Tyler Robinson, who was later named as the suspect, is set to appear in court.

Richard Childress Racing confirmed that each of its entries would run with the tribute decal. Austin Hill and Jesse Love carried it in the Xfinity Series, while Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon and Hill’s part-time Cup entry did so in the playoffs.

When asked in an interview with Fox News why the decal mattered, Richard Childress explained:

"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."

Charlie Kirk leaves behind his wife and two young children. His death has added to the growing concern over politically motivated violence in the US. There have reportedly been more than 150 such incidents in the first six months of this year alone, which is nearly double the number in the same period last year.

Charlie Kirk displayed before the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Source: Getty

The incident comes against a backdrop of gun violence that has increased nationwide. Just weeks ago, two children were killed and 17 people were injured in a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Kirk himself was known as a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, a position that often drew both support and criticism.

When asked about the current situation in America, Richard Childress added:

"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."

Throughout the weekend at Bristol, NASCAR showed solidarity, with Kirk’s image appearing on the big screen inside the famed “Last Colosseum.” It was a reminder that his reach extended far beyond politics.

---

Richard Childress' grandson Austin Dillon reflects on the decision to honor Charlie Kirk

Austin Dillon of Richard Childress Racing before the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol. Source: Getty

The Bass Pro Shops Night Race already carried significance as the opening elimination race of the 2025 Cup Series playoffs. For Austin Dillon, Richard Childress’ grandson, the event also came with added meaning. Below the playoff cutline, he needed a victory to advance, all while carrying a tribute to Charlie Kirk.

When asked why it was important, Dillon explained (via Steven Taranto):

"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."

On track, the race itself was unpredictable. Tire wear dominated the race early, with tires cording within the first 20 laps, something the teams didn't predict. Austin Dillon started 23rd and never recovered, and finished 28th. He was eliminated along with Josh Berry, Shane van Gisbergen and Alex Bowman.

The struggles continued for Richard Childress in the Xfinity Series. Both Austin Hill and Jesse Love faced a difficult playoff opener, finishing 19th and 25th, respectively. The results dropped both below the cutline with two races remaining in the Round of 12.