Jason Leffler Crash: Deadly Results for Single Father in NASCAR Race
A dirt track race Wednesday night turned deadly for NASCAR racer Jason Leffler. He was in second place in a race at New Jersey's Bridgeport Speedway, which is a dirt track located near Philadelphia. Leffler's car smashed into the wall, and he did not survive the crash.
The race was a 410 Sprint Car race Wednesday that promised a $7,000 prize to the winner. It was the type of race Leffler had been participating in throughout most of this year, according to Fox News.
NASCAR released a statement expressing sadness and regret about the young racer's loss of life.
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"NASCAR extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening," NASCAR said in a statement. "For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed."
Leffler was a single father, survived by his 5-year-old son Charlie Dean.
Leffler was originally from Long Beach, Calif. He began racing in the open-wheel ranks, and he compete in the Indianapolis 500 in the year 2000. Most recently, in 2006, riding with Turner Motorsports, Leffler finished in 6th place.
Sports Illustrated published a statement from Spire Sports, who represented Leffler.
"Despite his many accomplishments, Jason still followed in the same footsteps of his heroes that would race anything, anytime. All Jason wanted to do was race. He was the life of every party and a true racer. We will miss Jason dearly and know that his family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers," they said.
