Richard Childress’ Grandson Honors Charlie Kirk With Emotional Bristol Tribute

Charlie Kirk’s tragic death on September 10, 2025, sent shockwaves across the nation, but for Austin Dillon, it hit on a personal and spiritual level. Ahead of the high-stakes Bristol race, Dillon revealed that RCR added a Charlie Kirk Memorial decal to their car, calling it a tribute to a man whose courage and faith inspired him. For Dillon, this weekend isn’t just about racing; it’s about honoring someone whose life left a lasting mark on his own.

A tragic loss and a personal reflection on faith

Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon spoke with quiet emotion about the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, a man who leaves behind a grieving family. This includes his wife, Erika Frantzve, former Miss Arizona, and two children, a daughter and a son. “First of all, it’s a tragic incident, where a man, his life was taken, and he leaves behind two children and a wife,” Dillon expressed, emphasizing the personal toll of the loss.

Dillon admires Kirk’s heroism, especially his steadfast commitment to faith and respectfulness in public debates. “I look up to his heroism when it comes to standing for God. And I love some of his teachings of the Bible, his ability to debate without really attacking someone,” Austin Dillon said.

Charlie Kirk was known for his outspoken Christian faith, often weaving his beliefs into his activism and public debates. He rejected the traditional separation of church and state, advocating for Christianity’s influence on politics and culture. Kirk emphasized that true morality depends on belief in God, stating that atheism lacks an objective moral foundation. He famously once said, “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith.”

Reflecting on this, the Richard Childress driver shared how the incident has inspired him spiritually. “It makes me want to get into the Bible more and learn more about Jesus and try and spread the word whenever I can,” he said. Dillon is a known advocate of faith-driven living, often crediting his Christian beliefs as a guiding force in both his personal life and racing career. “I grew up in a family that believed in God and we went to church,” the Richard Childress driver had said during an interview with USA Insider.

The tribute at Bristol is more than a decal; it’s a symbol of how Kirk’s faith and character touched lives far beyond politics or activism. For Dillon, it’s a call to deepen his own beliefs and share that message with others, honoring Kirk’s legacy through his own journey of faith and reflection.

Richard Childress Racing team optimistic at Bristol

As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the high-stakes, 500-lap elimination race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Austin Dillon faces an uphill battle to advance. Sitting 11 points behind 12th-ranked Austin Cindric, the last provisional spot to move to the next round, Dillon remains confident.

“I feel like we’re within striking distance,” he said, emphasizing the importance of applying constant pressure. “If we apply pressure, then we can transfer to the next round, and pressure is running up front and scoring stage points.” He acknowledged that a strong, consistent performance could bridge the points gap, but also noted the value of a win. “But if you win, it also takes care of all this, and we’re going to be aggressive as we can be to put that pressure on.”

Austin Dillon secured his spot in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs with a pivotal win at Richmond Raceway in August. This victory, achieved without controversy unlike his 2024 Richmond win, clinched his playoff berth among the 16 drivers. Dillon led 107 of 400 laps and won decisively, overcoming previous adversities, including a broken rib. With this win, Dillon returned to the playoffs for the first time in three years, adding renewed momentum to his championship pursuit.

Richard Childress Racing team and Austin Dillon’s mindset heading into Bristol reflects a mix of determination and urgency. They very well know that the margin for error is razor-thin. With everything on the line, he’s prepared to leave nothing on the table in the final Round of 16 race. Whether it’s stage points, strategy calls, or going all-in for the win, Dillon is focused on keeping his playoff hopes alive under the Bristol lights.