NASCAR community turns their thoughts to Paris

More than 120 people died and about 350 more were wounded as terrorists attacked the French capital on Friday night.

On Saturday, a French flag was flying atop the Sprint Cup Series team hauler of Michael Waltrip Racing’s No. 15 Toyota team driven by Clint Bowyer.

MWR also placed French flag logos under the driver side doors of the cars of Bowyer and MWR teammate David Ragan.

The idea at MWR originated with Rick Wainright, director of sponsor services at MWR, who has worked with the organization since its inception in 2007. Wainright’s father served in the military and he lived overseas for a while.

Several NASCAR drivers also took to Twitter to express their condolences. Among them:

Phoenix International Raceway released a statement saying it is working closely with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security on a security plan for the race weekend.

“They are closely monitoring the events in Paris and are confident in our plan based on all available information. If they provide us with additional recommendations, we will immediately act accordingly,” said track president Bryan Sperber.

The invocation prior to Sunday’s Cup race will include a reference to the Paris attacks and it will also be addressed in the pre-race drivers’ meeting, NASCAR officials said.