Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images(NEW YORK) — Race car driver Bryan Clauson passed away Sunday night from injuries he sustained during the Belleville Midget Nationals race in Kansas Saturday, his family announced in a statement Monday. He was 27.
“Last night, the 7th of August, we said goodbye to our son, my fiancé, our friend, Bryan Clauson,” Clauson’s family said in the statement, which was posted to his Facebook fan page. “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 fans day, or demonstrated his uncommon kindness and appreciation toward his friends, family and fans,” the statement continued.
Clauson was in the lead Saturday when his car climbed a guard rail between turns and flipped, ESPN reports. He was then struck by another driver.
“This is one of the darkest days in the history of the United States Auto Club,” United States Auto Club CEO and President Kevin Miller said in a statement. “Not only have we lost one of our greatest USAC Champions, we have lost a true ambassador for all of motorsports.”
“Bryan’s passion for our sport was unparalleled,” Miller added. “He was a leader not only on the track, but in the pits with his fellow competitors. There is a tremendous hole in the hearts of our community today as we grieve his loss along with his family and friends.”
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