Fans share disbelief over death of NASCAR driver

SWEDESBORO, N.J. — Outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown Charlotte Thursday, the NASCAR flag flew at half-staff in memory of driver Jason Leffler.

Inside, fans shared their disbelief.

"I was shocked," Harold Martin said.

"It's just a tragedy," Jonathan Davidson said.

New Jersey State Police are trying to figure out what caused Leffler's car to crash during the first heat at the Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey.

The 37-year-old Leffler, a two-time winner on the NASCAR Nationwide Series who had the nickname "LefTurn" above the driver's side window on his race cars, was pronounced dead Wednesday night shortly after 9 p.m., officials said.

"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."

Bridgeport Speedway immediately suspended racing for the rest of the night after Leffler's accident at the 0.625-mile, high-banked dirt oval.

Leffler, who lived in Huntersville, was a devoted single father to his 5-year-old son Charlie Dean. He raced last Sunday for Humphrey-Smith Racing in Mooresville.

They showed Eyewitness News the car he drove at Pocono Raceway, with his firesuit and helmet nearby.

Owner Randy Humphrey issued a statement that read: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jason Leffler and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. Jason was part of our family at Humphrey-Smith Racing and we are very thankful for his contributions to our team over the last few years. Our main concern is for his son Charlie and our thoughts and prayers are with him. Jason was an important part of our program and will be missed."

Officials at Charlotte Motor Speedway said Leffler last raced there on the dirt track in May, finishing 26th.

They said he made two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts there, with a best finish of fourth in 2012; 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series starts there, with a best finish of fourth in 2004; and three career starts in the NASCAR Spring Cup Series with a best finish of 30th in 2001.

"Jason is what people would call a racer's racer," NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director Winston Kelley said. "He could race anything and would race anything."

Kelley said Leffler's versatility was special and so was his bond with his young son.

"The two things at the top of his list were racing any kind of car and competing, and Charlie Dean," he said.

From Long Beach, Calif., Leffler made 423 starts in NASCAR's three national series, but won just the two Nationwide races and one Truck Series event in a career that began in 1999. He also made three IndyCar Series starts, finishing 17th in the 2000 Indianapolis 500.

A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway called Leffler "one of the most versatile race drivers in America, showing his talent by competing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during his career."

"He also displayed the skills that would help him reach the top levels of the sport by winning four USAC national series titles while winning on tracks throughout the Midwest," the statement said.

Leffler won three consecutive USAC Midget championships from 1997-99 before following mentor Tony Stewart's path into NASCAR. Stewart-Haas Racing, owned by Stewart, tweeted: "Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Jason Leffler. A good man; a good racer. Godspeed friend."

WSOC