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Jason Leffler dies from injuries in a sprint car crash

NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Jason Leffler has died from injuries sustained in a sprint car crash on Wednesday evening

The 37-year-old was racing in a short track event at Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey when his car hit a wall at around 20:30 local time.

He was airlifted to the Crozer-Chester Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead just over half an hour later.

"NASCAR extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening," said a NASCAR statement.

"For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed."

Leffler competed across all three of NASCAR's top tiers, although he found his greatest success in the Nationwide Series, where he claimed two wins and 107 top 10 finishes between 1999 and 2012.

He took one Sprint Cup pole with Chip Ganassi Racing at Kansas in his debut season in 2001, and had moved back into the category this season with Humphrey Smith Racing.

He also raced single-seaters and made three IndyCar starts, including an appearance at the 2000 Indy 500 in a Roger Penske-backed Treadway Racing entry.

"We are very saddened at the passing of Jason Leffler," said Indianapolis Motor Speedway COO Doug Boles.

"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, who was nicknamed 'lefTurn', is survived by his five-year-old son, Charlie.

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