NASCAR community remembers John McCain

John McCain, longtime Arizona senator and a two-time Presidential candidate, died Saturday at the age of 81. McCain, a war hero through his service with the U.S. Navy, made several appearances at NASCAR races through the years as a dignitary or an honorary official. The stock-car racing community remembers McCain's visits in this reflection through the years.

Sen. John McCain gives the command to start engines ahead of the Subway Fresh 500 at Phoenix in 2006. McCain was a frequent visitor to the 1-mile track (now named ISM Raceway) in his home state of Arizona.

John McCain addresses the media at Charlotte Motor Speedway before the 2007 Coca-Cola 600. McCain was on hand as the race's honorary starter.

John McCain takes time out during the drivers' meeting to greet Dale Earnhardt Jr. before the 2007 Coca-Cola 600.

NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton welcomes John McCain and his wife, Cindy, at the 2007 Coca-Cola 600 drivers' meeting.

John McCain stands ready for the starter's duties in the flagstand at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2007.

Honorary starter John McCain waves the green flag for pole-starter Ryan Newman and the rest of the field to get the 2007 Coca-Cola 600 underway at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

On the campaign trail in September 2008, John McCain and his wife, Cindy, address the crowd at New Hampshire Motor Speedway before the Sylvania 300.

The McCains receive an introduction to NASCAR royalty with King Richard Petty during the Sylvania 300 drivers' meeting at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Carl Edwards and his crew welcome John McCain in the Sylvania 300 drivers' meeting at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Sen. John McCain greets Kevin Harvick during driver introductions at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

John McCain chats with four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon before the Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500 in November 2015 at Phoenix. McCain served as the event's grand marshal.