Kobe Bryant's tragic passing has come as a shock to not just the basketball community but the world at large. Bryant was beloved by many and athletes in every sport looked up to him because his toughness and competitive spirit. His death hits particularly close to home because he was traveling alongside his daughter and seven other people. In the weeks since their passing, their have been numerous tributes that pay homage to not just his number but the Lakers colors as well.

Now, NASCAR is getting involved as two of its drivers will be rocking Kobe-inspired paint schemes during the Auto Club 400 in Fontana, California. The two drivers in question are William Byron who drives the Axalta 24 car and Ryan Blaney who drives the BodyArmor 12 car. As you can see, both cars will be decked out in purple and gold and will have various references to Kobe, Gianna, and the seven other victims.

After a rain delay on Sunday, the Daytona 500 was held yesterday afternoon in front of 100,000 people. The final lap of the race was shaping up to be a classic as Ryan Blaney, Ryan Newman, and Denny Hamlin were all pushing for the win. Coming off of the last turn and into the tri-oval, Newman was leading the race when he was spun out by Blaney who was simply trying to get in behind the leader. Newman's car eventually hit the wall and flipped over before being hit in the driver's side by Corey Lajoie who had no room to move.

Newman's car came to a stop on its roof and the safety crew immediately made its way to the scene. The crew cut his car open from the site and eventually extracted him before taking the veteran driver to the hospital. It was later revealed by NASCAR and Newman's team that the driver was in serious condition and had suffered non-life-threatening injuries.