Sprint Car Driver Bryan Clauson Dies in Crash

By ESPN

Bryan Clauson, an accomplished sprint car driver who had competed in three Indianapolis 500s, died Sunday night from injuries suffered in a midget car crash on Saturday at the Belleville (Kansas) High Banks. He was 27.

Clauson's family confirmed his death in a statement released Monday morning by USAC officials at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"Last night, the 7th of August, we said goodbye to our son, my fiancé, our friend, Bryan Clauson," Clauson's family said in a statement released by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "He was surrounded by family and friends and we were grateful that we could experience his final moments with him.

"Our Bryan 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."

Clauson was leading the Belleville Midget Nationals when his car climbed the guard rail between Turns 3 and 4, flipped and stopped on the dirt track, where he was then hit by Ryan Greth. Clauson was transported to Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln, Nebraska.

"It's surreal to think Bryan Clauson is gone," tweeted Danica Patrick, whose boyfriend, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., was especially close with Clauson and drove for the Clauson family team as recently as the 2016 Chili Bowl in January. "He was one of the good ones. He was kind, funny, and a damn good driver. Heavy heart today."

USAC president Kevin Miller said Clauson's death was "devastating" and left a tremendous hole in the racing community.