The NASCAR Cup Series returns to California this weekend for the Auto Club 400 in Fontana, an hour east of Los Angeles, and the sport will pay tribute to Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and the seven other victims of the tragic helicopter crash in various ways at Auto Club Speedway. Bryant’s number 24 will reportedly be painted on the infield grass at the track, and the names of the victims will be read during pre-race ceremonies.
Two drivers, William Byron and Ryan Blaney, will run special paint schemes to honor the victims. Byron, driver of the No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, will race this weekend with a special purple-and-gold scheme.
Hendrick Motorsports announced that Axalta will make a donation to After-School All-Stars, an organization Bryant was involved with, and that proceeds from the sale of die-cast cars will be donated as well.
Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 BODYARMOR Ford for Team Penske, will also race with a purple-and-gold scheme that features Gianna’s No. 2 and Bryant’s No. 24 on the car.
Driver Daniel Suarez will also wear special gloves and shoes during the race to honor the victims.
