Remembering Jason Leffler

Jason Leffler, Turner Motorsport Chevrolet

Photo by: Eric Gilbert

Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and four-time USAC champion: “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.”

IMS statement on the passing of Jason Leffler

A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway Chief Operating Officer J. Douglas Boles about the death of driver Jason Leffler from injuries suffered in a sprint-car race June 12 at Bridgeport Speedway in Swedesboro, N.J.: "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.

World of Outlaws Statement on Jason Leffler

The World of Outlaws extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Jason Leffler, a great racer and man whose life ended too soon tonight. We were always excited to see Jason enter the pits to race with the Outlaws, and he will no doubt be missed by everybody from his fellow competitors to officials to his many fans.

INDYCAR statement on the passing of Jason Leffler

INDYCAR extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Jason Leffler for their tragic loss. Jason was a USAC champion who made three INDYCAR starts, including the 2000 Indianapolis 500. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Ed Carpenter Statement on the passing of Jason Leffler

“Our family is extremely saddened by the passing of Jason Leffler last night in New Jersey. I raced against Jason in USAC and he was an excellent driver and a champion back then. We also worked together for Dollar General when I drove for Sarah Fisher’s IndyCar team and he drove for Turner Scott Motorsports in NASCAR. While I had not talked with him in some time, he was always a good guy and a determined racer. Our prayers go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time.”

Team Chevy Statement on the passing of Jason Leffler

From Jim Campbell, General Motors U.S. Vice President of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports: “We are saddened by the loss of Jason Leffler, who had a generous heart and was universally liked and respected by his fellow competitors. Jason was a talented, hard-charging and versatile racer, competing in a number of series at the highest level. We fondly remember his days racing – particularly for us – in NASCAR’s top series and Indianapolis 500. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Panther Racing Owner John Barnes Statement on Passing of Jason Leffler

Panther Racing Managing Partner and CEO John Barnes released the following statement on the passing of racecar driver Jason Leffler, who started several Silver Crown races for Panther Racing in 2004-2005: “I was shocked to hear tonight about the passing of Jason Leffler. Jason was a friend and former driver of Panther Racing. He was one of the most versatile drivers I have ever met. He reminded me so much of Parnelli Jones. We will miss his fierce competitive spirit and his devilish attitude. He constitutes the old saying, ‘It isn't the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.’ Jason was a small man with a huge right foot. Our prayers go out to his entire family, and especially his son Charlie. He will be forever missed.”

Rest in Peace Jason Leffler.