NASCAR star Christopher Bell makes emotional tribute to MAGA leader Charlie Kirk after Bristol victory

Christopher Bell won a dramatic race on Saturday, September 14, 2025, at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. He moved from fourth place to first during the last restart and held on for the final four laps.

Bell crossed the finish line only 0.343 seconds ahead of Brad Keselowski, ending his own 24-race winless streak and taking his fourth victory of the NASCAR Cup Series season. Just moments after celebrating with fans, Bell dedicated his win to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was shot and killed earlier this week in Utah. Bell told the crowd, “This one’s for Charlie. It’s been a very tough week and there’s a lot on our mind.”

Fans at the track cheered loudly as Bell raised his fist toward them.

Christopher Bell dedicates Bristol NASCAR win to Charlie Kirk after tough week

Christopher Bell, who drives the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, made his feelings clear when he stepped out of his car in Bristol. He admitted the final laps were messy, saying, “It wasn’t pretty there at the end, but we got her done.”

The 29-year-old driver looked overcome as he repeated that his win was for Charlie Kirk. Bell’s wife, Morgan Bell, who often attends races, was also seen celebrating after the finish.

This win was important for Bell’s playoff hopes, but he made sure the focus was not only on racing. His words for Kirk came just days after the activist’s death, making the night at Bristol emotional for both the driver and the fans. Cheers from the grandstands grew louder as Bell lifted his helmet and pointed toward the crowd.

Charlie Kirk assassination in Utah sparks arrest and federal investigation

Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, while speaking at an event called the “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

He died later that day.On Friday, September 12, police arrested Tyler James Robinson, a 22-year-old from Washington, Utah. Robinson was taken into custody on suspicion of aggravated murder and other felony charges. Authorities say he acted alone.Also Read: “Submit To Your Husband”: Charlie Kirk Under Fire After Resurfaced Rant About Taylor Swift’s Engagement To Travis KelceInvestigators revealed that bullet casings found at the scene had mocking and political messages carved into them. Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that Robinson’s family told police he had become more political in recent years and often spoke about Kirk’s visits to colleges. Online chats later showed Robinson joking with friends about the manhunt and even writing comments that mocked the FBI search before his arrest.A memorial for Kirk will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the Arizona Cardinals. His widow, Erika Kirk, said in a livestream that she will continue her husband’s radio and podcast shows, promising supporters that, “The movement my husband built will not die.”