The public memorial service for Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and the others who tragically died with them was on Monday, but the sports world will continue to pay tribute to the NBA legend — including at the NASCAR race in California this coming weekend.
Let’s start with Ryan Blaney, who is currently ranked third in the standings, including a second-place finish behind Denny Hamlin at the Daytona 500 — the second closest finish in the race’s history. Blaney’s No. 12 car will have a special paint job.
When NASCAR races this weekend in Fontana, CA, Ryan Blaney’s Penske Ford will carry this Kobe Bryant tribute paint scheme, designed by sponsor Body Armor sports drink. Bryant was on Body Armor’s board of directors. https://t.co/ZFQZpbooEJ pic.twitter.com/oBI25UVwlJ
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) February 25, 2020
That’s not all. William Byron’s car will also be sporting special colors, although his number was already 24.
Yet another Kobe Bryant tribute for this weekend’s NASCAR events in Fontana, CA. This one requires no number displays. William Byron’s Axalta Chevy was already No. 24. https://t.co/5AdLQKt5Q6 pic.twitter.com/F6pgxk4ZRu
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) February 25, 2020
And Daniel Suarez will be wearing special gloves and shoes, too.
In addition to Ryan Blaney’s Kobe Bryant paint scheme, driver Daniel Suarez will wear these gloves and shoes. Auto Club Speedway, located in Southern California, will also have a No. 24 painted on infield grass, a pre-race… https://t.co/IeBhufHJuc pic.twitter.com/UrpDcvfJiK
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) February 25, 2020
You’ll see lots of purple and gold at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, that’s for sure.