Regan Smith’s No. 78 to pay tribute to Aurora shooting victims at NASCAR Brickyard 400

If you’re watching the Brickyard 400 on Sunday, pay close attention to Regan Smith in the No. 78 Chevrolet. His car will be sporting the word ‘Aurora’ on the side, and there will also be 12 names on there: a tribute to the people who were killed in the Aurora, Colo., shooting. Smith’s garage, Furniture Row Racing, is located in Denver, about seven miles from where the shooting took place.

The tragedy struck close to the Furniture Row family. Kimber Avra, an employee of the Furniture Row Companies, was at the Aurora movie theater with her friend Micayla Medek. Avra suffered scrapes and bruises, but sadly, Micayla was one of the 12 who was killed in the shooting.

“While we’re at Indy our thoughts will not only be on the race, but also with the victims of the Aurora tragedy,” Smith said in ha press release. “It will be an honor to drive the car that will pay tribute to the victims and to their families. It’s so hard to comprehend that something like this could happen. But it did, and I feel awful for all those currently suffering through an incredible amount of pain. My thoughts and prayers are with them.”

The rear bumper (TV panel) will include the following inscription: For Those Lost, Those Injured And Countless Acts of Bravery 7/20/12

On Thursday 12 members of the Colorado Rockies, plus manager Jim Tracy, visited shooting victims at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver. Eric Young Jr. tweeted:

Blessed to be in my position, but the heroes are the staffs that work at hospitals saving lives. I have a better understanding of that 2day.