Popular NASCAR Driver Dies In Fatal Crash (Video)

Former NASCAR driver Bryan Clauson died after a horrific crash during a race (video below).

Clauson was leading Belleville’s Midget Nationals USAC midget race when he struck a guard rail, flipped and was subsequently hit by another competitor, according to The Daily Mail. He was airlifted to a Nebraskan hospital, but died from his injuries hours later.

“This is truly one of the darkest days in the 60-year history of the United States Auto Club,” said USAC CEO Kevin Miller to USA Today. “Not only have we lost one of our greatest USAC champions, we’ve lost a true ambassador for all of motor sports.” 

Clauson made his mark on the racing world in 2005, when he became the youngest Midget National Feature winner in USAC history at the age of 16. He then went on to race in the Indianapolis 500 three times and have a brief stint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series However, he is best known for dirt racing and racked up more than 24 wins, according to his website.

“Bryan’s passion for our sport was unparalleled,” Miller said to USA Today. “He was a leader not only on the track, but in the pits with his fellow competitors.”

He is survived by his parents, sister and fiancee, Lauren Stewart, as well as their dog, Chevy. Stewart and Clauson were set to be married next February.

Stewart said that her heart was in “a million pieces” over Twitter, according to The Daily Mail. In a statement she said that he “fought to the end with the same desire that he demonstrated behind the wheel of all the various race cars he would park in victory lane.”

“However, we were more proud of our Bryan that took a moment to make a young fan’s day, or demonstrated his uncommon kindness and appreciation toward his friends, family and fans,” she continued. 

Clauson was 27 years old. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_yptCQUsWM