Kyle Larson, Cliff Daniels honor late Hendrick executive Jon Edwards after Bristol win 

Kyle Larson won a fairly ho-hum race at the Food City 500 on Sunday at Bristol, but it was anything but an ordinary race. Hendrick Motorsports lost one of its own this week, Jon Edwards, the organization’s director of racing communications.

Shortly after the race, the communications slowed for Larson and his team and the crew paid tribute. Multiple people spoke up.

“This is for Jon,” crew chief Cliff Daniels said, per Jeff Gluck of The Athletic. “This one is definitely for Jon,” added Larson on the radio.

FOX Sports’ crew caught up with Kyle Larson after the race to get his thoughts on winning a race right after the death of a key team executive. He opened up a bit more than on the radio.

“This one’s definitely for Jon,” Larson said. “He’s just a great guy here, so we’re going to miss him. Successful weekend here, wish he was going to be here with us to celebrate but I know he’s celebrating with us in spirit.”

Kyle Larson wasn’t the only one to pay tribute to Edwards this week from the Hendrick Motorsports team. Jeff Gordon also weighed in in the middle of the week.

“I’m devastated by the loss of my dear friend, Jon,” Gordon wrote on Twitter. “For almost three decades, we were side by side through every high and low, every celebration, and every challenge. 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.”

Hendrick Motorsports also released a statement on Edwards’ passing. It mirrored the love Kyle Larson had for him.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Jon Edwards, our longtime friend, teammate and director of racing communications,” the Hendrick statement reads. “Jon was a consummate professional whose remarkable gift for building strong and lasting relationships made him a respected figure in our sport.

“His impact on Hendrick Motorsports, the NASCAR community and countless individuals cannot be overstated. 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. Our thoughts are with Jon’s family and all who are grieving this tremendous loss. He will be deeply missed.”