NASCAR Brad Keselowski

NASCAR Spring Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski speaks during a press conference at the International Speedway on June 10, 2016. (Taylor Irby | Mlive.com)

BROOKLYN, MI - NASCAR driver and Michigan native Brad Keselowski took time to talk about former Detroit Red Wing Gordie Howe, 88, who died Friday, before a press conference.

Howe retired in 1980, four years before Keselowski was born, but the driver said Howe was a pillar of the community years after he stopped playing hockey and left a "tremendous legacy."

"There's such a fan base admiration and it's almost 40 years since he's retired," Keselowski, a Rochester Hills native, said. "That really says something about someone."

Howe played 25 seasons for the Red Wings and was a 23-time NHL All-Star. He still has the most goals in Detroit Red Wings history, with 786.

"Just being a Detroit person in general, and of course I don't think you can grow up in this area and not be a hockey fan of the Red Wings and more," Keselowski said. "He had more than just the community, he had the respect of his entire sport, which is hard to do for anyone."

Keselowski said the loss is a big deal to his friends and family, many of which are at Michigan International Speedway this weekend to watch him race in Sunday's FireKeepers Casino 400.

"I know he lived really close to me when I was growing up," he said. "That's a guy who left a tremendous legacy on his sport. I'd like to say we're thinking about him and his family."