Driver Quotes: Thoughts on the recent tragedy in Boston

As we all are painfully aware there have been a number of recent tragedies, particularly the bomb explosions at the Boston Marathon, preceding the race weekend at Kansas Speedway. During media availability a few of the Cup drivers – Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards and five-time champion Jimmie Johnson - shared their thoughts on the horrific event in Boston.

Credit: Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs 

Clint Bowyer, driver of the No. 15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota Camry:

“It’s touched everybody all week long. It’s a tragedy and it’s a shame that these things keep happening. It’s very, very sad. Everybody has been thinking about it. I’m proud that Michael (Waltrip, team owner) came up with the idea to put the Boston Marathon pennants or whatever you call them on our cars for our numbers. I thought that was a great way to say we were thinking about them and we’re along with them.”

Credit: Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs

Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion: 

“I know I can speak for all of Roush Fenway Racing in saying that our thoughts are with everyone there that’s not only suffered, but all the confusion that’s going on. I don’t think anyone really understands exactly what’s happened yet, and without sounding cliché what Roush is doing is trying to do something to help. Steve Newmark and Jack Roush put together a program where Jack is gonna donate some money to a cause up there to try and help with whatever they need help with, and then we also pledged $100 for every lap that one of the Roush Fenway leads at the race track this weekend.”

Credit: Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs 

Five-time champion Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet SS: 

“I would assume everybody has seen the press release, but last night the shooting that took place unfortunately has some attachment to Hendrick Motorsports. Someone in the engine shop it was his brother, Andrew Collier’s brother, Sean was tragically killed last night. Still a lot of questions going on obviously if anybody has had a chance to watch the news today there still is a lot of chaos taking place in Boston. Trying to gather all that is going on, but a very sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with the Collier family. I certainly know that it is the same thing for all of Hendrick Motorsports. We are one big family and it’s sad and unfortunate to see a fellow teammate and his family going through such a tough time.” 

Unique Hiram is an Associate Editor/Contributing Writer/Media Rep for Skirts and Scuffs. Additionally, she is also the author of "Fast Lane Poetry," which was published April 2011. Unique can be contacted via email or through Twitter.