Race car driver Bryan Clauson died from injuries he received during a crash at the Belleville Midget Nationals in Kansas, USA Today reports. The young driver was only 27.
Clauson’s car reportedly went over a guard rail and flipped over several times on Saturday. Fellow driver Ryan Greth wasn’t able to avoid the accident and collided into Clauson’s car on the track.
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Clauson was sent to Bryan Medical Center West, Lincoln, Nebraska, and passed away on Sunday.
“This is truly one of the darkest days in the 60-year history of the United States Auto Club,” USAC CEO Kevin Miller said in a statement. “Not only have we lose one of our greatest USAC champions, we’ve lost a true ambassador for all of motor sports.”
“Bryan’s passion for our sport was unparalleled. He was a leader not only on the track, but in the pits with his fellow competitors,” Miller said.
Fiancee Lauren Stewart released a statement on the tragedy. “Last night, the 7th of August, we said goodbye to our son, my fiance, our friend, Bryan Clauson,” the statement read. “He was surrounded by family and friends and we were grateful that we could experience his final moments with him.”
Clauson participated in the Indianapolis 500 in 2012, 2015 and 2016, winning two USAC National Sprint Car titles and 170 career USAC competitions.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Clauson’s family.
This story first appeared at Womanista.
