NASCAR drivers Ty Gibbs and Zane Smith publicly remembered conservative activist Charlie Kirk after his tragic assassination on September 10, 2025. Both athletes shared an Instagram story originally posted by The Conservateur, featuring a photo of Kirk with his family alongside the message “Rest in peace Charlie.” This tribute reflected their respect for Kirk’s influence and the shock surrounding his sudden death.
Charlie Kirk’s Role and Circumstances Surrounding the Shooting
Charlie Kirk was a prominent conservative political activist, author, and speaker who co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18. The organization grew to become a significant conservative student group, active on high school and college campuses nationwide. On the day of the incident, Kirk was delivering a speech at Utah Valley University in front of about 3,000 attendees when he was shot.
Witnesses reported hearing the gunshot coming from a location estimated to be 100 to 200 yards away, possibly from a rooftop. Security personnel immediately rushed Kirk to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Kirk was 31 years old at the time of his passing. His wife and two young children, who were present on campus, were unharmed but deeply affected by the event.
Ongoing Investigation and Official Statements
Authorities responded swiftly to the shooting, with FBI Director Kash Patel confirming that a suspect was in custody. Initial accounts from local law enforcement varied, but Utah Governor Spencer Cox later announced the detention of a person of interest connected to the case. Investigators used CCTV footage showing the assailant dressed entirely in black, supporting theories that the attack originated from an elevated position.
Zane Smith’s Steady 2025 Racing Season Despite Challenges
Zane Smith, who drives the No. 38 Ford for Front Row Motorsports, ranks 28th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings after 28 races in 2025, accumulating 477 points. Although Smith has yet to secure a victory this season, his performance shows signs of steady improvement. He has achieved three top-10 finishes and one pole position but has not reached the top-five in any race so far.
Smith’s season included leading 15 laps and maintaining an average starting spot of 19.1 with an average finish just above 20. However, four races ended with DNFs, though he has generally completed most laps in other events. Notably, Smith earned the first pole position of his career at the Jack Links 500 earlier this year.
Recent Engagements Beyond NASCAR Competition
Aside from racing, Smith attended the Stifel Charity Classic, a PGA Tour Champions event held from September 5 to 7, 2025, at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis. The tournament featured a purse of $2.1 million and attracted a competitive field of senior golfers. Returning focus to NASCAR, at the World Wide Technology Raceway, Smith’s race included a ninth-place finish in Stage One and sixteenth in Stage Two, but he ultimately finished 33rd.
Reflecting on the Impact of Charlie Kirk’s Death
The assassination of Charlie Kirk sent ripples through various communities, including politics and sports. His role as a vocal conservative leader and founder of a large student organization made his death a significant and tragic event, evoking responses from different public figures, including NASCAR drivers like Ty Gibbs and Zane Smith. With the investigation ongoing, the nation awaits further developments, while those who knew him remember Kirk’s influence and legacy.
