Race Car Driver Jason Johnson Dies After Crash

Jason Johnson, a sprint car driver for World of Outlaws, died following a crash at the Beaver Dam Raceway in Wisconsin, according to race officials. He was 41 years old.

Johnson was hurt during a race on Saturday night at the 1/3-mile-long dirt oval track, company officials said, reported The Associated Press. They said that he crashed on lap 18 of the 40-lap race while trying to get the lead.

The driver, after the crash, was taken to a nearby hospital. On Twitter, the series later confirmed that he died in the hospital.

“With heavy hearts, we inform you of the passing of Jason Johnson. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Please send prayers and respect their privacy,” World of Outlaws tweeted.

On its website, World of Outlaws said that “emergency crews quickly attended to the situation and transported Johnson via air to Aurora Medical Center, where he later succumbed to the injuries.” It added: “The Johnson family has conveyed their appreciation of the prayers and support expressed by the racing community and requests their privacy be respected at this time.”

A message posted on Twitter account Jason Johnson Racing wrote that his team was “heartbroken and saddened to tell you that we have lost our leader, friend, family member and our hero.”

A number of people offered their condolences to Johnson’s family.

“Won some races, and championships together. Jason was a great leader for his team and strong man for his family,” NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. wrote on Twitter. “He went about things his own way and was really fun to watch.”

“While fierce competitors on-track, the racing family has a bond that’s unbreakable,” Tony Stewart Racing wrote.

He’s survived by his wife and 5-year-old son.

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