In September 2001, just days before the world changed forever, Rob Quillen boarded a flight wearing a Jeff Gordon shirt. He didn’t know that the man who’d soon sit beside him, Jason Dahl, was a fellow NASCAR fan and United pilot on his way to Newark. The two talked for hours. About life, family, and their shared love for Jeff Gordon and racing. Dahl said he wanted to take his son to a NASCAR race and meet Gordon. Quillen promised to make it happen.

The next morning, Jason Dahl piloted United Flight 93. He never made it home. Quillen, devastated, followed through on that promise. He reached out to Gordon’s camp with nothing but hope. The response came from a man who didn’t ask questions. He just made it happen. Jon Edwards, Gordon’s longtime PR representative, arranged everything. Passes. Garage access. A meet-and-greet.

A grieving son got his moment, and it all came together because of Edwards. That’s who he was—quietly effective, endlessly kind, and fiercely loyal. Now, that man is gone. Hendrick Motorsports confirmed the passing of Jon Edwards, their director of racing communications, at just 53. Edwards was a trusted friend and teammate for nearly three decades. Edwards’s death has rocked not only Hendrick Motorsports but the entire NASCAR world.

Jon Edwards: The man behind Jeff Gordon’s ‘image’

Just one week ago, Jon Edwards took a moment on social media to reflect. He posted about the 31st anniversary of his first race, working with the No. 24 team at Darlington in 1994. That race may have ended in P31 and a DNF for Jeff Gordon, but for Edwards, it was the start of something lifelong. “Trek to Darlington Raceway yesterday had me thinking. Today marks 31 years since my first race with Jeff,” he wrote.

Now, in a painful twist of fate, Jeff Gordon is mourning the very man who helped shape his public persona and legacy. “I’m devastated by the loss of my dear friend, Jon. 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,” he posted on X.

Edwards, 53, passed away suddenly. The cause of death wasn’t revealed, but the shock rippled through the entire NASCAR community. Hendrick Motorsports called him a “consummate professional” and “a kind and thoughtful person” who had a deep passion for the sport. His role went beyond emails and press releases. Edwards was the face many journalists first met, the voice behind Gordon’s public appearances, and later the PR lead for Kyle Larson.

Notably, in 2014, the motorsports community officially recognized that love and professionalism. Edwards was awarded the prestigious Jim Chapman Award for excellence in motorsports PR. This wasn’t just a trophy—it was a nod to his legacy. The award, named after legendary PR icon Jim Chapman, celebrates the highest standard of integrity and media relations.

Michael Knight, who presented the award, said it best: “Jon’s open approach in working with the media parallels what Jim did with his own roster of legendary clients, including Babe Ruth… Jeff’s cooperation with the media has benefitted him, his team, and the sport. Jon Edwards made that possible.” Notably, Edwards began his journey as a PR assistant at North Carolina Motor Speedway in the early ’90s.

He joined Performance PR Plus in 1994, eventually becoming an integral part of DuPont Motorsports and Gordon’s world. By 2000, he was embedded with Gordon’s team and officially joined Jeff Gordon, Inc. in 2011. After Jeff Gordon’s retirement, Edwards joined the No.5 Hendrick Motorsports team to work along with Kyle Larson. In their maiden year, Larson won the 2021 Cup Series Championship. Over his career, Edwards earned NASCAR’s “Most Valuable PR Representative” twice.

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The NASCAR community left mourning!

Thursday, 10th April has to be one of the saddest days in NASCAR history. First, veteran journalist Al Pearce passed away at the age of 82. The news was followed up by Carson Hocevar’s announcement of his grandmother’s demise. The third setback of the day came in the form of Jon Edwards’s demise. He wasn’t a driver or a team owner, but his presence in NASCAR was just as vital.

Jeff Gluck, one of NASCAR’s most respected media voices, captured the heartbreak. “Not only was he a consummate PR pro, but one of the best dudes around. It felt like Jon was a friend to everyone in the NASCAR garage,” Gluck wrote. He further remembered his cheerful “Hello, Gluck!” and their chats about soccer, F1, and the old-school days of journalism. Meanwhile, FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass echoed the sentiment.

“Heartbroken when I heard this news. Jon Edwards treated everyone like they were gold. He currently worked as Kyle Larson’s primary PR person at Hendrick because he loved the PR role and life. RIP,” he posted on X. And there’s a reason these journalists, who interact with hundreds of PR people every season, all say the same thing. Edwards wasn’t about spinning stories or protecting reputations—he was about people.

He built trust as he listened and went the extra mile, not just for stars like Jeff Gordon but for anyone who needed help, advice, or simply a kind word. For over 30 years, Jon Edwards stood just outside the spotlight, making sure others shone. Now, the light turns to him, if only for a moment, as the entire NASCAR world says goodbye. RIP, Jon. You were truly one of a kind.