BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Hendrick Motorsports headed to Bristol Motor Speedway mourning the loss of Jon Edwards, who suddenly passed away this week.
The organization's members were heartbroken by the loss of someone who had made a major impact on the entire racing industry for three decades while working with Jeff Gordon and then Kyle Larson, but they were also focused on the mission of honoring his memory.
"We're gonna mourn his loss and try to win some races for him this weekend," Larson said after Friday's Truck Series race.
"He would want us to not be sad. He was a happy person, so we're gonna hold our heads high and represent him well this weekend."
Edwards was well-represented on every car in the Hendrick Motorsports lineup. Each had a decal celebrating the longtime public relations titan, a man who dedicated his time to guiding the next generation. This included the Xfinity Series car that Larson used during Saturday's on-track sessions.
Photo credit: AltDriver
Larson had a strong relationship with Edwards, considering they had worked together since Larson moved to Hendrick Motorsports in 2021. Where the California driver went, Edwards was with him, Starbucks cup in hand.
It didn't matter if it was at a NASCAR track, the Indianapolis 500, or a trip during some much-needed time away from racing.
"He meant a lot to me, personally, just getting to be with him since 2021 and going on a couple vacations with him and getting to know and be around him a lot," Larson said.
"He's probably the guy that I'm around the most on the (No. 5) team, so I'm going to miss having him around."
Larson and Hendrick Motorsports will continue the season at Bristol Motor Speedway and beyond, and they will continue to mourn the loss of Edwards. They will also celebrate his life every time they achieve success.
The pain will eventually fade away as the years continue, but the team and its members will never forget the impact he made on them all.
"I'm devastated by the loss of my dear friend, Jon," Gordon said in a statement. "For almost three decades, we were side by side through every high and low, every celebration, and every challenge.
"He was one of the most loyal, hardworking, and selfless people I've ever known, and I will be forever grateful for his immeasurable impact on my life and my career. My heart is with Jon's family and everyone who loved him. He was truly one of a kind."