Danica Patrick Asks NASCAR to Honor the Late Pope—A Request That Moved the World and Made It Pray

In a powerful and unexpected moment that blended the worlds of faith and sport, former NASCAR star Danica Patrick made a heartfelt request that has touched millions around the globe. Just moments before the engines roared to life at Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race, Patrick asked the organization to hold a one-minute tribute to honor the Pope, who had passed away only minutes earlier.

The emotional news of the Pope’s death had just broken when Patrick, known not only for her achievements in racing but also for her outspoken heart and spiritual values, approached NASCAR officials with a simple but meaningful request: “One minute. Just one minute of silence, before we race.”

NASCAR, in a rare and moving decision, immediately agreed. As the national anthem ended and drivers prepared for the green flag, the track announcer gently asked for everyone in attendance—drivers, crew, fans, and officials—to observe one minute of silence in memory of His Holiness.

What followed was breathtaking.

Tens of thousands of race fans, often known for their high-energy passion, stood in absolute silence. Pit crews removed their caps. Drivers bowed their heads. The giant screens around the track showed a photo of the Pope with the words: “Rest in Peace. A Shepherd to the World.”

Danica Patrick, standing trackside with tears in her eyes, later shared on social media, “Faith doesn’t stop for the flag. It carries through it. Thank you, NASCAR, for showing the world that respect and reverence still have a place in racing.”

Fans around the world flooded social media with reactions. Many praised NASCAR and Patrick for the beautiful tribute, calling it one of the most touching pre-race moments in recent memory.

“This brought me to tears,” one fan wrote. “In a world that’s always rushing, they paused for peace.”

The Pope’s passing marks a profound moment in global history—and thanks to Danica Patrick’s voice and NASCAR’s heartfelt response, that moment was honored in the most unexpected of places: on a racetrack, surrounded by roaring engines and racing hearts.

A reminder that even in the fast lane, there’s always time to pause… and pray.