Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCARNASCAR driver Jason Leffler died Wednesday night after his car crashed into a wall during a dirt-car race in southern New Jersey.
Per Reuters, the crash happened during a heat race at the Bridgeport Speedway in Logan township, and the 37-year-old was pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m. after being rushed to Crozier Hospital in Chester, Penn., which is just across the Delaware River from the race track.
Leffler, who famously emblazoned the nickname "LefTurn" on the window of his race cars, had twice won the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and he spent the later part of his 10-year racing career participating in dirt-car races
In a statement posted on Twitter, NASCAR expressed its sorrow over the tragic death of the racing pro, who is survived by a 5-year-old son, Charlie Dean.
"NASCAR extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening," the organization said. "For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed."
Doug Stokes said in a statement for Irwindale Speedway: "A good friend of the track, and a great driver, Jason Leffler, passed away from injuries sustained in a racing accident in Bridgeport, New Jersey earlier this evening. Jason was one of very best, always ready to race, always ready to make friends. He made a lot of them in his short time among us...Our most sincere condolences to his family and to his many fans."