In light of tragedy, victory lane celebration excluded the usual Texas Motor Speedway gun show
On Sunday, victory lane celebration included a moment of silence for the victims of the Sutherland Springs shooting.
Typically, winners at Texas Motor Speedway are handed guns. Those guns are then fired off, Texas cowboy style. However, in light of the horrific situation that happened hour earlier in a separate Texas city, those guns were not used.
Instead, a moment of silence.
“In light of the tragedy earlier in the day in Sutherland Springs, Texas, we opted not to conduct a segment of our customary, post-race victory lane activities,” TMS spokesman Mike Zizzo told ESPN.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those affected by the tragedy as well of the entire community of Sutherland Springs,” Zizzo concluded.
Texas Motor Speedway is about 4.5 hours away from Sutherland Springs, TX via ground transport.
Below are the comments from the NASCAR community following the tragedy.
NASCAR community reacts to Sutherland Springs
Most NASCAR drivers of course were not aware of the tragedy that happened during the race. Upon exiting their cars, many issued statements. But, it was more than just drivers…
Brad Keselowski
“Got out of the car and heard about this. Puts our day in perspective”
Joey Logano
“My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Southerland Springs, TX. Can’t imagine what their community is going through right now.”
Kasey Kahne
“Can’t stop thinking about all of the families affected by the shooting in Texas today. It hurts my heart to read about all of this.”
Ricky Stenhouse Jr
“still praying for all the family and friends affected in the texas shootings. really sad to see things like that happen in our country”
Regan Smith
“Thoughts and prayers to the people of Sutherland TX right now. There’s too much hate in this world.”
Alex Bowman
“Man… thoughts and prayers with those in effected by the tragedy in Sutherland Springs. So sad”
Amy Earnhardt
“It’s horrific. The fact that church may be unsafe scary and heart wrenching. Many prayers for those who lost loved ones.”
