Jason Leffler Death After NASCAR Driver's 410 Sprint Car Crash Shocks Fans [VIDEO]

Jason Leffler died Wednesday night after he crashed his 410 sprint car at the Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey. A 37-year-old father of one, Jason Leffler was pronounced dead around 9pm. USA Today says his car hit a wall while trying to maintain second place in the first heat race at the 0.625-mile, high banked dirt oval.

Witnesses who saw the crash told the South Jersey Times Newspaper, as Jason Leffler was making his way toward turn four of the qualifying race his car flipped over several times and headed into a wall at the front straightway.

Leffler was pulled from the car unconscious with severe injuries and transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden New Jersey where he was pronounced dead.

Following the death of Jason Leffler NASCAR issued a statement saying,

"NASCAR extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening. For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed."

According to his official website, Jason "Lefturn" Leffler was born and raised in Long Beach California. He began racing at the age of 12. From 1997 to 1999 Leffler built a reputation as a midget car driver winning three consecutive USAC midget championships.

In 2000 Leffler made the jump to full time NASCAR driver coming in 17^th place in that year's Indi 500.

"In the last decade, he took the USAC silver crown title as well as victories in prestigious races such as the Hut 100, Night Before the 500, Belleville Midget Nationals, Turkey Night Grand Prix, Hoosier 100 and Copper World Classic," Leffler's website says.

During his racing career Jason Leffler developed a loyal fan base. Those who loved to watch Leffler drive took to Twitter to express their grief and offer condolences to the Leffler family.