In the world of NASCAR, drivers push through high-stakes pressure with unyielding grit, rarely showing vulnerability in a sport that demands constant aggression. However, there are times when even the hardest freeze, such was the time of the 10th of September, 2025, when Charlie Kirk was killed, the word traveled around the garage like a wildfire. The 31-year-old right-wing activist, who was shot during his speech in Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, created a gap that was experienced beyond the political sphere.

People made tributes, and the racing fraternity united in remembering him in the most surprising manner. Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18, had established his own tradition of celebrating young conservatives, drawing parallels to how NASCAR honors its icons. Such as Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s No. 47 car featuring a “HULKAMANIA FOREVER” decal for Hulk Hogan at Watkins Glen . These activities make the fans remember the personal associations in racing. However, the decision of one of the veterans is very emotional, both to the family and to the sport.

Mike Wallace’s tribute return

The 66-year-old NASCAR veteran, Mike Wallace of St. Louis, Missouri, will return to the Grand National Super Series on October 4, 2025, at Dominion Raceway, Thornburg, Virginia. As an X post by Aaron ‘AJ’ England states, “Mike Wallace will race the Grand National Super Series at Dominion Speedway (VA) on Oct 4, driving a Turning Point USA tribute car honoring Charlie Kirk. He’ll face his daughter for a special night of racing.”

This marks Wallace’s return after a decade away, his last NASCAR start in 2015, now driving a car with hood and quarter panels unveiled as “In Memory Charlie Kirk 1993-2025 Turning Point USA.” In a Facebook post, Wallace said, “Excited and honored to announce I’m going to be racing in the Grand National Super Series on Oct 4, at Dominion Speedway, Woodford, VA, and being able to compete against my daughter Chrissy Wallace driving for and a teammate to AJ Henriksen.”

 The race is the Kevin Kromer Memorial 77, with 77 laps to honor a deceased racer, and gives each participant that extra touch of nostalgia as Wallace (with more than 300 short-track victories) competes with his 37-year-old daughter Chrissy, who was the first woman to win at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2007. The pair of father and daughter makes this an evening of milestones in the family during the tribute.

Wallace continued, “I wanted to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk; this is the unveiling of the hood and quarter panel design of the Turning Point USA in memory of Charlie Kirk that I will be racing, and I invite everyone to come join the Grand National Super Series for a fun night of racing.” Kirk, who commands some clout in conservative politics and has a well-known connection with individuals such as Donald Trump, inspired this design of connecting his activism to the patriotic nature of racing.

To Wallace, who has earned ARCA victories in Daytona and Atlanta, this race is both an honor and a nod to the part Kirk plays in organizing the youth through Turning Point USA. Tributes like this show how racing heals through remembrance. Just as NASCAR stars rallied after Kirk’s loss, the community continues to support its own.

Patrick’s vow at Kirk memorial

Danica Patrick, the trailblazing former NASCAR driver, shared a heartfelt commitment during Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, drawing on her own experiences in the sport to underscore resilience. She quoted, “Charlie would ask… God use me for your will. Well, none of us wanted this, but it seems God has a pretty big plan for you… because not even death could stop your mission. In fact, it’s stronger than ever. 🙏 Well done, good and faithful servant. ✝️”

This promise reflects Patrick’s attendance at the service alongside a close friend, where she emphasized turning grief into action. Having retired from racing in 2018 after 191 Cup Series starts, Patrick has since focused on wellness and media, using her platform to inspire others facing loss.

The vow ties into Kirk’s faith-driven approach, which Patrick highlighted by first referencing Martin Luther King Jr.’s words on love overcoming hate. In context, she delivered this as a direct assurance to Kirk’s family, suggesting his influence would grow posthumously. Patrick’s racing career, including her historic 2008 Indy Japan 300 win as the first woman to claim an IndyCar victory, often involved overcoming adversity, much like Kirk’s rapid rise from teen activist to a key figure in politics. Her statement encourages supporters to amplify Turning Point USA’s efforts, now under heightened scrutiny following the tragedy.

This personal pledge adds to the wave of remembrances, showing how Kirk’s work resonates in unexpected arenas. Patrick’s words offer a roadmap for honoring him and channeling energy into positive change, a lesson she learned from high-pressure NASCAR battles. As the community processes the loss, such commitments help sustain the conversations Kirk sparked.