Multiple NASCAR drivers tribute Kobe Bryant in California

William Byron tributes Kobe Bryant

“We continue to pray for all of the families,” Byron said in a story on HendrickMotorsports.com.

“It’s humbling to be able to run such a special car, especially in the Los Angeles area. I’m a huge sports fan and followed Kobe’s career really closely like so many other people.”

“He left a legacy that goes beyond basketball and has reached across all of the sports world and into many different communities where he gave back. I’m very happy that Axalta wanted to do this, and I hope to make everyone proud in the No. 24 on Sunday,” Byron said.

Axalta will make a donation to the After-School All-Stars, a non-profit organization where Bryant served as a National Ambassador.

Jeff Gordon also saw the wrap and commented, “I was a big fan of Kobe and am proud to have shared the #24 with him. Hard to believe he’s not with us anymore. Will be very special seeing purple and gold on the #24 at Auto Club Speedway.

A diecast is already available for purchase on Lionel.

Ryan Blaney tributes Kobe Bryant

Blaney was one of many that met Bryant. He shared a photo of them together along with the new special paint scheme.

“Honored that drink BODYARMOR is running a Kobe Bryant tribute scheme this weekend. I was fortunate enough to meet Kobe & this is a great way to honor him, Gianna & all the victims. Stay tuned for merch details,” Ryan Blaney said.

All proceeds from the limited merch will go to http://MambaOnThree.Org 

Daniel Suarez tributes Kobe Bryant

Suarez will be wearing special gloves and shoes that resemble Bryant’s basketball jersey. The gloves are done in Lakers’ purple and gold colors and feature No. 8 and No. 24, both of Bryant’s numbers. The set will be sent to auction after the race.

“As athletes, we all strive to be great at our game, but equally as important is how good we are outside the racetrack, off the court, and off the field,” Daniel Suarez stated online.

“I can’t think of anyone who did this better than Kobe Bryant. He was, what we as athletes, all hope to become one day.”

“One of the qualities I admired most about him was his unwavering commitment to his team, and his legacy of uniting fans from all races and backgrounds (including the African-American and Hispanic communities) through their love of the sport.”

“It is my biggest honor to wear these gloves and shoes this weekend in California, as a tribute to Kobe, Gianna, and the seven other victims from the tragic helicopter crash, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Ara Zobayan, Sarah Chester and Payton Chester.”

During pre-race introductions, Suarez will also wear a Kobe Bryant jersey.

Suarez added

“Mamba mentality is what Kobe always said and one of the great things he is known for,” Suarez said in a media release.

“That’s what it’s all about. That’s something you have to have inside of you, to be hungry, to go out there and get out of that comfort zone. Kobe was a huge role model. I want to give back the way Kobe used to give back.”

“To give back, we’re going to auction off the gloves and shoes after the race to try and donate as much money as possible to the Mamba Foundation. We’re going to put a minimum of a $5,000 donation into this foundation.”

“I have opinions about many athletes, but I’ve always admired most the ones who are not only great at their game, but great outside their game. Kobe was that kind of athlete, and that kind of a person,” Suarez added.

Daniel Suarez’ racecar will also feature the names of all the victims in the helicopter crash.

The Kobe Bryant racing gloves are already on ebay.

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William Byron | Ryan Blaney | Daniel Suarez | Kobe Bryant | NBA | NASCAR