As a writer, you never want to write about a driver
dying. As a NASCAR fan, it’s devastating
to hear that one of our own has passed. Jason Leffler died last night after an
accident in a Sprint Car race in New Jersey. There wasn’t anything Jason loved
doing more than racing. Leffler has competed in Indy and NASCAR, with his
racing roots in USAC. He began his racing career in USAC, winning three
consecutive championships from 1997 to 1999.
This is a hard time for not only Jason’s family, but the entire
racing community. Jason was a family member. NASCAR is a family. You always
want it to be a nightmare. You just want to wake up in the morning and know
that it didn’t happen. This is one of those moments. Jason was a fierce competitor and a great friend
to a lot of drivers. Every driver knows the risk of strapping into any kind of
racecar. Jason knew the risks, but he still got in that car to do what he loved
the most. Racing. But, the one thing he loved more than racing was his little
boy, Charlie Dean. Charlie was born to Jason and his ex, Alison, in 2007.
The racing community has come together to pay their respects
to Jason and share great memories of the racer:
Kasey Kahne -Jason & I flew together this past weekend
to Pocono. We talked sprint cars, cup cars and Charlie Dean. He loved racing
& he loved his son!
David Stremme -We all know the danger of Racing. Our racing
family will tell Charlie for years to come how #lefturn loved him and how he
loved to race (David changed his profile picture to Jason)
NASCAR Wonka -Awful news about Leffler. I'm heartbroken over
the pain and confusion his son must be in; I'm thinking of you today, Charlie
Dean. #LEFTurn
Brian Scott -Take nothing for granted, and love those who
matter to you. Life is too short and the good ones leave us too early. RIP
#LEFturn
landon cassill -Had a great talk with him just the other
day. We reminded each other why we love racing and do what we do. He was
family. #lefturn
Lisa KKR -Heavy hearts at KKR. Lots of great Leffler stories
being remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family
Helio Castroneves -RIP #JasonLeffler. Praying for your
family and his kid.
Morgan Shepherd -Saddened with a heavy heart for such a
loss, Jason Leffler.Prayers for this family, friends & his young son,
charlie. #RIPJason #NASCAR
JR Hildebrand -Man, so sad to hear about Jason Leffler.
Obviously such a talented guy, thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. -Still
unbelievable this mornin. Prayin for Jason's family and son!! And the racing
community!! Great father and racer!! Loved it all!
Darrell Wallace Jr -Just thinking about it brings me to
tears, I don't even know leffler that well. Always spoke, just an all-around
cool cat. RIP #LEFturn
You never know what’s going to happen in a race or in life.
Life throws everyone different curves and obstacles. Some you learn to dodge
and others you can’t. No one is going to forget Jason’s life and what’s he’s
done. Everyone is thinking about little Charlie Dean in this tough time, but
everyone is going to tell him his father passed away doing what he loved. That was
racing. I want everyone to hug your family. Tell them how much they mean to
you. Tell them how much you love them. You never know when the last time you will
ever see them will be. Jason, we will never forget you, Rest in Peace, Jason.
We’ll see you again someday. #LEFturn
Condolence to Jason's family and friends. no matter how expensive your safety gears are there are always and instance that it cannot save you. lucky for some who are saved by their equipments. and accident especially race car accident like this is like playing with your life.
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