Jason Leffler, NASCAR Driver, Dies In Sprint Car Accident At 37

Jason Leffler, the talented and versatile NASCAR driver, died after crashing in a 410 Sprint Car race on Wednesday at the Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey. He was 37.

Leffler crashed his car into the wall of the racetrack at about 8:30 p.m., after his car flipped over multiple times on the track’s straightaway. He had to be extricated from the car, and was immediately transported to Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Sgt. Adam Grossman of the New Jersey State Police told USA Today. He was pronounced dead at the hospital sometime after 9 p.m.

Prior to the fatal accident, Leffler, who had made 73 stars in the Sprint Cup series, was running in second place in the first heat of the program. His race, and those scheduled to follow, were cancelled following the crash.

_{Jason Leffler racing his stock car during the Bucyros 200 Nationwide Series race at Road America in 2011}

"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 last night. "For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed."

"We are very saddened at the passing of Jason Leffler," Indianapolis Motor Speedway chief operating officer Doug Boles said in a statement. "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, who was known by his nickname “LefTurn,” won the NASCAR Nationwide Series twice and the Truck Series once during his career, which began in 1999, according to Racing-Reference. He made 423 starts in NASCAR’s three national series, and three IndyCar Series starts; he placed 17th in the Indianapolis 500 in 2000.

Leffler is survived by his 5-year-old son Charlie Dean.

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