Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson opened up after the death of the team’s director of racing communications, Jon Edwards. Larson said the team will push to win races this weekend at Bristol and stressed that Jon would not have wanted the team to be “sad.”

Jon Edwards was a respectable personality in NASCAR who passed away aged 53. Dustin Long of NBC Sports posted Larson’s touching statement on X. He said:

“He meant a lot to me. Personally just getting to be with him since 2021, going on some vacations and stuff with him, get to know him, and just be around him a lot. He was probably the guy that I’m around the most of the five teams.

“Gonna miss having him around, he’s had a long career in motorsports, so definitely a sad week for the industry. We’re going to mourn his loss and try to win some races this weekend. He would want us to not be sad, he was a happy person so we’re going to hold our heads high and represent him on this weekend.”

Larson revealed in his own post on X that Jon had made a lasting impact on his life. He wrote:

“A sad day for everyone close to Jon. I will always be grateful for the memories we made and the laughs we shared along the way. He made a lasting impact on my life, and I will miss him deeply. My thoughts and prayers are with Jon’s family and loved ones.”

Hendrick Motorsports released an official statement announcing Jon’s passing. Newsweek Sports reported:

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Jon Edwards, our longtime friend, teammate and director of racing communications.

“Jon was a consummate professional whose remarkable gift for building strong and lasting relationships made him a respected figure in our sport. His impact on Hendrick Motorsports, the NASCAR community and countless individuals cannot be overstated. Above all, Jon was a kind and thoughtful person who carried a genuine passion for our industry, our organization, and his many teammates and friends.

“Our thoughts are with Jon’s family and all who are grieving this tremendous loss. He will be deeply missed.”

The team additionally stated that Jon was a “giant in the race media and public relations fields for three decades.” More importantly, “his warm and welcoming kindness, infectious sense of humor, wealth of knowledge and stories and his unwavering passion for the sport and his profession endeared him to all.”

In memory of Jon, NASCAR posted a video on YouTube.