Jason Leffler, a 37-year-old NASCAR racer, died in a crash at Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey Wednesday night during a 410 sprint car race, according to reports.
Leffler's car rammed into a wall at around 8:30 p.m., according to New Jersey State Police sergeant Adam Grossman, and the driver needed to be pulled out of his car. He was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead at 9:00 p.m.
An eyewitness named Chris Taitt, of West Deptford. N.J. said Leffler's car flipped over several times in addition to hitting the wall twice. After striking the wall Taitt said the car was "flopping all over."
NASCAR's sanctioning body released a statement in which the organization: "extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening. For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed."
Indianapolis Motor Speedway COO Doug Boles also released a statement saying, "We are very saddened at the passing of Jason Leffler. He was one of the most versatile race drivers in America, showing his talent by competing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400. Jason was a terrific guy who always had time for everyone. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his entire family, team and fans."
Leffler was born in North Carolina, and he was nicknamed "LefTurn," which according to USA Today was stenciled on his racecar.
He began his racing career as a successful open-wheel driver, winning three straight USAC Midget Championships from 1997 to 1999. He signed with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2000 and joined the Nationwide Series.
Leffler left Joe Gibbs in 2001 for Chip Ganassi Racing and joined NASCAR's Premier Cup Series, but stayed for just a single year. He failed to qualify in five of 36 races in 2001. He raced in the Camping World Truck Series for two years before returning to the Cup Series in 2005, once again with Gibbs. He struggled again and failed to make through the entire season.
He shifted back to the Nationwide Series, and raced there from 2006-2011.
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