Hendrick Motorsports announced that Director of Racing Communications, Jon Edwards, passed away Thursday. Edwards was a long-time staple of a garage area, creating many personal relationships with those in and out of NASCAR.
In a release from HMS, the team referred to Edwards as a “consummate professional,” which was backed up by an outpouring of support and sadness online after the announcement. As the release stated, “Above all, Jon was a kind and thoughtful person who carried a genuine passion for our industry, our organization, and his many teammates and friends.”
Edwards made his name in NASCAR working alongside HMS star driver Jeff Gordon during Gordon’s prime when NASCAR was at its peak. He also played a major role with the team’s current star, Kyle Larson, serving as Larson’s primary PR person.
Gordon, now the Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, stated in the same release from HMS, “He was one of the most loyal, hardworking, and selfless people I’ve ever known, and I will be forever grateful for his immeasurable impact on my life and my career. My heart is with Jon’s family and everyone who loved him. He was truly one of a kind.”
Many drivers and media members, such as Larson, shared a similar sentiment online.
Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson released an emotional statement about Edwards, whom he deemed “the most interesting person in the garage.”
Former HMS driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. posted about Edwards on X, “Everyone thought the world of this man and it’s easy to see why. So well respected and appreciated.”
Thursday was a difficult day for the NASCAR community with the passing of long-time media member Al Pearce. This past week, Shigeaki Hattori, a long-time Truck Series team owner, also passed away.
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