Racing world reacts to the tragic death of Jason Leffler

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/

FROM KEITH GROLLER

The tragic death of NASCAR veteran Jason Leffler on Wednesday night has shaken up the racing world.

Leffler, 37, was killed in a crash while racing in the Night of Wings event, a 25-lap race for sprint cars equipped with stabilizing wings, at Bridgeport Speedway in Swedesboro, N.J.

Leffler is the father of a 5-year-son named Charlie.

Among the many messages of sympathy and condolences are these from NASCAR's Stewart-Haas Racing Team:

Tony Stewart said:

"Jason Leffler was a great racer and an even better friend. We raced together a lot, and our career paths were very similar. He loved racing, especially open-wheel racing, and that’s a passion we both share. To not have him around to talk about whatever race one of us had just run, or were going to run, will be hard. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, especially his son, Charlie, who Jason loved more than anything.”

 Ryan Newman, winner of 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races and the 1999 USAC Silver Crown championship:

“Jason and I raced hard together. We never crashed, or even rubbed wheels. We weren’t enemies, but we were never really friends, either. We were competitors. I respected him as much as he respected me. My prayers are for his family. He died doing what he loved. He was a real racer, and he will be missed.”

Danica Patrick, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and IZOD IndyCar Series race winner:

“I was very sad to hear of Jason’s passing. He was a good guy and a good racecar driver. He was a successful driver for a long time. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family and friends, especially his son, Charlie.”

Also, Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayChief Operating Officer J. Douglas Boles said:

"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 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. Jason was a terrific guy who always had time for everyone. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his entire family, team and fans."

Leffler, 37, competed in the Indianapolis 500 in 2000 and the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2008.