NASCAR's Jason Leffler Dies in Speedway Crash

NASCAR fans are mourning the death of driver Jason Leffler, who died Wednesday in a crash at Bridgeport Speedway.

The 37-year-old driver was killed after his dirt car struck a wall, CBS Philly reports.

NASCAR posted a tribute to Leffler on its website, featuring a smiling Leffler at the tracks and triumphing in races. Leffler's racing career spanned from midget car races in the late 1990s to the Indianapolis 500 in 2000 and 14 years on the national level. He also raced in the Daytona 500 in 2001. 

“NASCAR extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening,” NASCAR said in statement Wednesday. “For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed.”

The Swedesboro speedway where Leffler crashed also posted its sympathies. Leffler had been competing in a 410 Sprint Car heat race there when he crashed. He was extricated and died at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Chester, PA.

"On behalf of the Bridgeport Speedway management team and employees, our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fans of Jason Leffler," Bridgeport Speedway staff posted on the track's Facebook page.