Kyle Larson dedicates victory to public relations representative Jon Edwards

In an emotional victory at Bristol Motor Speedway in the United States on April 14, 2025, Kyle Larson secured his second NASCAR Cup win of the season by leading 411 of the 500 laps. This significant win comes shortly after the death of Jon Edwards, his former public relations representative, which deeply affected Larson and those within the racing community. Edwards, who was 53 years old, served as a PR specialist during Jeff Gordon's championship years with Hendrick Motorsports and had become close friends with Larson after he joined the team in 2021. With multiple cars displaying decals in honor of Edwards, Larson shared his sentiments, stating, 'This one is definitely for Jon.' Edwards was known for being a vibrant presence in the paddock, and Larson’s race victory resonated with the team as a tribute to his memory. This win was Larson's 31st career Cup victory and his third at Bristol, illustrating his skill and prowess at the track. Denny Hamlin finished in a strong second place while making his 400th consecutive Cup start, a testament to his own dedication to racing. Ty Gibbs, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Blaney rounded out the top five finishers. Larson’s emotional dedication of the win to Edwards came after dedicating another victory in the Xfinity Series to him just the day before, hence showcasing the influence Edwards had in Larson's career and personal life. The day of the race was marked by reflection on Edwards's life and contributions to the sport, with tributes pouring in from fellow drivers and team members who shared how deeply he impacted their lives. Jeff Gordon, who retired from driving in 2015 and now serves as vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, expressed his sorrow over the loss of Edwards, commenting on their close relationship. Gordon elaborated, 'It’s been a rough week. I lost somebody who was like a brother to me and so many other people that he impacted.' This statement revealed the profound sense of loss felt throughout the team and the wider NASCAR community. In the backdrop of these personal sorrows, the racing event reflected a strong narrative of resilience, as Larson performed remarkably under such emotional weight. His ability to lead the race decisively while dedicating the win to Edwards symbolized hope and camaraderie amidst tragedy. As NASCAR moved forward to upcoming races, the team, led by Larson, resolved to remember Edwards not just in sorrow but through celebrating his life and the moments they shared. The season ahead looks promising, yet the shadow of loss remains within the organization as they carry Edwards's memory with them.