Jason “LEFturn” Leffler

Jason “LEFturn” Leffler

9/16/1975 – 6/12/2013

As you more than likely know, by now, Jason was fatally injured while racing a 410 winged sprint car at the Bridgeport, N.J. track, last Wednesday.

Most of the notices started out with “NASCAR driver”, which I imagine would gather more interest, since too many today, NASCAR is THE racing organization that most know about. Had it said “USAC driver”, I imagine most would have no idea as to just who or what USAC was or is – or if the news of his death would have even made the papers, save for a tiny article.

Jason, over the period of three years won the USAC Midget Championship three times. And, during one of those seasons, he also was the USAC Silver Crown driving champion, too. He ran a few Indycar races, and did compete in one Indianapolis 500.

Now I’ve been a fan of auto racing since back in 1946. I’ve had some favorite drivers that have met death while racing. I’ve seen enough fatal accidents. But lately, what with the Internet and such, it seems that we are all better connected and get news almost as soon as it happens. In the case of the death of Jason Leffler, this held true, too.

It’s quite unbelievable how much has been posted on the Internet, whether on Facebook or via emails. With the “NASCAR driver” being mentioned, papers that normally might over look his passing, made mention of it. Not only that, but some rather disparaging columns/articles made the papers, too.

Websites, forums and message boards that pertain to motor sports were pretty well lit up with messages, questions, thoughts and prayers – for Jason and his 5 year old son, Charlie. Me, being retired, I had the opportunity to check out a good portion of those websites, forums and message boards, along with what else has been said on the Internet.

While I was involved with Open Wheel Racers.com and Open Wheel Racing.com, I did, on occasion, have the opportunity to have press credentials and be in some pit areas. I was lucky to have met Jason, in person, if only for a couple of times. I found him quite willing to talk with me about his racing and what he was hoping to do in the future. Some of those wishes did come true. Sadly, now, some won’t.

I was about to post this article on Dirt Track Digest, around 9:00 PM on Monday, June 17^th, then email it to Jeff Johnson who has the New England Tractor Race Report website. However, I decided to check out the Internet, an done thing was checking out Yahoo! News. I felt I should open this article with what follows:

Leffler planned for young son in case of death

By JENNA FRYER

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Jason Leffler, like every other racer, understood the risks of his profession. It's a conversation he had with his longtime girlfriend when his NASCAR prospects dried up and a return to the sprint car circuit was the only way he could compete on a regular basis.

It wasn't a glamorous life, and it certainly wasn't going to make him rich. But it was a chance to race and, man, did Leffler love racing.

''We'd talked a lot about these cars and the dangers involved and Jason accepted it because he said all the time, 'I'd rather my son see me live a happy life then see me sitting in a job I hate being miserable,''' Julianna Patterson told The Associated Press on Monday. ''Jason was amazing. He was ornery. His life was Charlie, racing, family and friends. In that order. But Charlie was the most important. Charlie was his entire world.''

That was evident long before Leffler's death in an accident at a dirt track in New Jersey last Wednesday. The 37-year-old divorced father's Twitter feed and Instagram account were a loving tribute to 5-year-old Charlie Dean, his only child. There were photos of the first day of school, the two eating ice cream together, playing on the floor, hanging out at a race track, wearing matching sunglasses and, last month, Charlie's kindergarten graduation.

''Everybody knows how racers are, it's all they focus on,'' Leffler's older brother, Chris, told AP. ''But fatherhood really changed him, that's for sure. It was all about Charlie. Jason took Charlie wherever he could, tried to show him everything. He really grew as an adult after Charlie was born because all his best intentions were for Charlie. He wasn't worried so much for himself anymore.''

Although Leffler spent a decade racing in NASCAR, he wasn't a star and he certainly wasn't a household name. But he was extremely popular among his peers and everyone knew about his love for Charlie. It was plain to see on Sunday, as Greg Biffle held his own daughter in Victory Lane at Michigan, lamenting how Leffler didn't get to spend Father's Day with his son, and after Kasey Kahne climbed from his burning car he spoke not of the cut tire that cost him a win, but of the friend he lost.

''Jason Leffler was a good buddy of mine and it's neat to see how the racing world and the fans and his friends and everybody has supported him for the last four or five days,'' Kahne said. ''That showed the person and the racer that he was.''

Far more important than a racer was Leffler's job as father.

On Monday, Leffler's girlfriend, brother and representatives at Spire Sports discussed his financial situation to clear up growing misconceptions and rumors about the estate he left behind for Charlie.

His former sister-in-law told Sporting News on Friday that Leffler did not have life insurance when he died. But it's not that simple and some believe that was a deliberate attempt to solicit donations to an account that had been established for both Charlie and Leffler's ex-wife.

''It's insane that someone would bring this up, would bring up life insurance, within a day of this happening. We haven't even had the funeral yet,'' Patterson said. ''Jason would never have left Charlie with nothing. Never. To suggest otherwise is not true and it's evil.

''I remember he went into Charlie's room one night before bed and said to him, 'Everything I do is for you,' and Charlie hugged him and said, 'You almost made me cry, Dad.' Those two loved each other more than anything in the entire world.''

The reality is that disability and life insurance for race car drivers are expensive and difficult to get - usually issued only by Lloyds of London - and the premiums are substantial. Leffler's last full Nationwide season was in 2011, and he'd run just 12 NASCAR races in 2012.

He didn't have deep resources to buy insurance anymore; the night he was killed, the winner was guaranteed just $7,000. So perhaps Leffler didn't think life insurance was the best investment for Charlie Dean's future.

But Leffler still invested specifically with his son in mind, his loved ones say, and took steps to ensure his son would be cared for before his death and in the event of his death. He had disability insurance and other policies, and funds established for Charlie.

''He absolutely bent over backward to do whatever was best for Charlie,'' said Chris Leffler, executor of the drivers' will. ''He probably could have held on to a lot more in the divorce. But he sacrificed, did without, and has done whatever necessary to make sure Charlie is taken care of. I've seen a little bit of what's been insinuated and it's disappointing.''

Although Leffler made sure Charlie was provided for, The Charlie Dean Leffler Discretionary Trust was announced Saturday with three trustees. It was created in part because the racing community and fans often contribute regardless of need - more than $650,000 was raised for two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon's family following his 2011 death - and to ensure any money donated went solely to Charlie's needs.

Leffler, Charlie and Patterson had planned to move into a new apartment this weekend, and Charlie had been so excited for his new bed and the flags that were going to be hung in his new room. He'd only in the last year begun to understand his father's place in the racing world, and at Christmas when he was given Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne trading cards, Charlie only wanted cards of his dad.

He'd recently learned how to Google his father, Patterson said, and once even asked Leffler for his autograph. They lived together as a little family for two years, baking cookies and making every color of Jell-O possible, taking long walks with Charlie's compass and binoculars and playing sprint cars on the floor.

''All Jason would want now is for Charlie to know who his dad was, to be cared for and to know how much he loved his little dude,'' Patterson said. ''He wasn't irresponsible, he wasn't careless and he wasn't reckless. He took every step possible because Charlie was his world.''

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/leffler-planned-young-son-case-215547883--nascar.html

Below you’ll find what’s been out there on the Internet – things I’ve copied and pasted, most as of a couple of days ago.

Found on the Jayski webite:

Jason Leffler killed in Sprint Car wreck:

NASCAR driver Jason Leffler died after an accident Wednesday night in a heat race at a dirt car event at Bridgeport Speedway. The 37-year-old Leffler, a two-time winner on the NASCAR Nationwide Series who had the nickname "LefTurn" above the driver's side window on his race cars, was pronounced dead shortly after 9:00pm/et, New Jersey State Police said. After losing his NASCAR ride, Leffler had been racing dirt car events most of this year, including the 410 Sprint Car race Wednesday that promised a $7,000 prize to the winner at the 0.625-mile, high-banked dirt oval. On Sunday, Leffler finished last at Pocono in his lone NASCAR Sprint Cup start of the year.(see much more at the Associated Press)

Note: I did find this on the Internet on Friday evening, June 14^th:

Leffler was wearing a Simpson Hybrid head-and-neck restraint system, which is approved by NASCAR.

Statement from NASCAR on the passing of Jason Leffler:

"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."(NASCAR)

MORE: Jason Leffler died in a crash Wednesday night during a 410 sprint car event at Bridgeport (N.J.) Speedway. He was 37. Sgt. Adam Grossman, public information officer for the New Jersey State Police, confirmed to Motor Racing Network that a 37-year-old driver was pronounced dead at Crozer-Chester Medical Center. Sgt. Grossman would not confirm the name until next of kin had been notified. NBC10 in Philadelphia first reported that Leffler had been killed in the accident. Bridgeport Speedway confirmed in a tweet that the evening's racing program had been canceled after a crash involving Leffler. Sgt. Grossman said the accident happened about 8:30 pm. He stated that the driver was extricated from the car and transported by ambulance to Crozer-Chester Medical Center. The accident remains under investigation.

Leffler competed in 73 NASCAR Sprint Cup races since 2001. He finished 43rd at Pocono last weekend in his only start this season. He also ran 294 Nationwide races, winning two. He won at Nashville in 2004 and what is now O'Reilly Raceway Park in 2007. He competed in 56 Camping World Truck Series races from 2000-12, winning at Dover in 2003. Leffler was a member of the National Midget Hall of Fame in 2003. He won four USAC championships, winning three consecutive USAC midget titles (1997-99). He also won the USAC Silver Crown championship in 1998. After running four Nationwide races in 1999, he ran the full season in 2000 for Joe Gibbs Racing. Leffler moved to the Sprint Cup Series in 2001, driving for car owner Chip Ganassi with a best finish of 10th at Homestead. It would be the only top-10 in his Cup career. He did not drive a full season in Cup again. He ran 19 in 2005 for JGR before being replaced in the ride that would go to Denny Hamlin. Leffler had better success in the Nationwide Series with 107 top-10 finishes. He finished a career-best third in the points in 2007 for Braun Racing. Leffler finished behind champion Carl Edwards and runner-up David Reutimann that season. Leffler leaves behind a son Charlie Dean Leffler.(Motor Racing Network)(6-12-2013)

UPDATE New Jersey State Police on Thursday were trying to determine what caused the dirt track crash that killed NASCAR driver Jason Leffler on Wednesday night. Leffler died after the crash during the first heat at southern New Jersey's Bridgeport Speedway, a dirt track about 20 miles southwest of Philadelphia. The Gloucester County medical examiner said they haven't begun to examine Leffler's body but will do so on Friday, according to ESPN.com's David Newton. "Despite his many accomplishments, Jason still followed in the same footsteps of his heroes that would race anything, anytime. All Jason wanted to do was race. He was the life of every party and a true racer," Leffler's representative, Spire Sports, said in a statement. "We will miss Jason dearly and know that his family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers." Spire said funeral arrangements were being made.(ESPN)

The NASCAR flag outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame will be flown at half-staff in observance of Jason Leffler.

UPDATE: Jason Leffler died from a blunt force neck injury, an autopsy revealed Thursday. The Delaware County (Pa.) Medical Examiner ruled Leffler's cause of death was the neck injury he sustained when his car impacted the wall at Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey during a Wednesday night sprint car race.(USA Today)(6-13-2013)

MIS Plans: A Michigan International Speedway spokesman said today that the track will hold a moment of silence for Jason Leffler prior to the two NASCAR races this weekend at the Michigan superspeedway. (Toledo Blade)(6-14-2013)

See the many articles/posts on the Article Links page.(6-14-2013) - links are below:

http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/9380495/loss-nascar-driver-jason-leffler-mourned-fatal-crash-investigation-opened

http://www.athlonsports.com/nascar/nascar-heads-michigan-mourns-loss-jason-leffler

http://autoracingdaily.com/jason-leffler-gone-but-not-forgotten/

http://bump-drafts.com/2013/06/14/junior-leffler-other-random-thoughts/

http://www.freep.com/article/20130614/SPORTS16/306140021/Jason-Leffler-Ricky-Stenhouse-nascar-mike-brudenell

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130614/SPORTS03/306140052/1047/sports03/Crash-killed-Jason-Leffler-reminds-NASCAR-drivers-sport-s-dangers

http://draftingthecircuits.whoobazoo.com/2013/06/14/tragedy-in-racing-the-legacy-left-behind-by-frank-santoroski/

http://blogs.fayobserver.com/fullthrottle/June-2013/Another-tough-blow-for-racing

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/leffler-death-stirs-a-fathers-emotions-061313#!f6ZaB

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151654672284222.1073741837.74504559221

http://www.latimes.com/sports/motorracing/la-sp-leffler-parnelli-jones-20130614,0,4731294.story

http://www.racefansforever.com/the-dangers-of-racing

http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2013/06/jason-leffler-between-one-breath-and.html

http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2013-06-13/jason-leffler-dies-bridgeport-speedway-remembrance-charlie-dean-new-jersey

http://tennesseeracer.com/?p=4721

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2013/06/13/jason-leffler-tony-stewart-driver-death-nascar-dirt-track/2419609/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2013/06/13/jason-leffler-nascar-dirt-track-driver-death/2419269/

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/happy-hour-remembering-jason-leffler-plus-talk-hendrick-010515235.html

The above are links just from June 14th. Link below takes you to where the above were found, if you scroll down some, you'll come to June 13th, where just about every article is about Jason.

http://www.jayski.com/news/pages/story/_/page/nascar-article-links

Naturally, it didn’t take long for race people to band together and get things started – mostly to raise monies for Charlie, his son.

The money from the sales at Williams Grove Speedway, Trail Way Speedway, and online at delcosigns.com has been counted. Our one day total has risen to over….

$6000!

We are incredibly grateful for all of the support we are receiving for this cause and would like to thank everyone who has purchased a decal. All of the donations made for the decals will be donated to Jason Leffler’s son, Charlie. They will go into his education fund that will then be MATCHED by USAC.

We will have the decals on sale tonight at Lincoln Speedway, Port Royal Speedway, Selinsgrove Speedway, Williams Grove Speedway and online.

Again, thank you everyone for the support.

Jason Leffler contributions: USAC Benevolent Foundation, c/o Executive Director Bill Marvel, 4910 W. 16th St., Speedway, Ind. 46224.

The USAC Benevolent Foundation has today announced a $10,000 grant in the memory of the late USAC racing champion Jason Leffler, who lost his life Wednesday night in a racing accident in New Jersey. The 501-3C-designated Foundation will also be accepting additional donations earmarked for usage by Jason's son Charlie Dean and Charlie's mother Allison.

A designated cap amount to be announced by the Board of Directors of the Foundation will also result in additional dollar-for-dollar matching funds for this purpose.

"We are devastated by Jason's loss and recognize his long and loyal commitment to USAC racing and to the sport of auto racing in general," says USAC CEO/President Kevin Miller. "We encourage everyone to participate in this worthwhile endeavor as we honor the memory of one of our most cherished champions and appreciate the Foundation Board for their efforts in making this all possible."

All contributions earmarked for the Leffler program, which may include the Charlie Dean Leffler Education Fund, may be directed to the USAC Benevolent Foundation, c/o Executive Director Bill Marvel, 4910 W. 16th Street Speedway, Speedway, Ind. 46224. Bill may be reached at 859-749-0646 or atbillmarvel@gmail.com. Donations should be earmarked for this program.

And, there’s this, too:

The Charlie Dean Leffler Discretionary Trust

c/o Sun Trust Bank

232 Williamson Road

Mooresville, NC 28117

“As most of you know by now NASCAR's Jason Leffler died in a Sprint Car crash this past Wednesday night. He was a single parent to 5 year old Charlie. Unfortunately Jason did not have life insurance. They have started a fund for Charlie. I know we can't bring Jason back for little Charlie or stop his heartache and tears but we as his racing family we can help in other ways...Through prayers of course and by donating to this fund. Please pass this on and donate if you can. =)

I just saw this from one of my facebook friends just thought I would pass it on and also I know that USAC has a fund also.

3 nascar owners are in charge of it, braun racing being one”

Note: I’m just passing these along, folks. It’s your job to think if it’s worthwhile and if they’re legit, which they probably are. One never knows, today.

In honor of NASCAR driver Jason Leffler, who lost his life in a racing accident last week, a trust fund has been established for his five-year-old son, Charlie Dean. This trust will serve as the official Leffler Family fund, with all monies going directly to Charlie's needs. Turner Scott Motorsports co-owner Harry Scott Jr., former Braun Racing owner Todd Braun and Steve Overholser, CFO of Great Clips, will serve as trustees.

Kasey Kahne Racing is selling LEFturn hats in honor of Jason with proceeds going to the The Charlie Dean Leffler Discretionary Trust c/o SunTrust Bank.

Embroidered Flex Fit hats are $20 and come in sizes: S/M and L/XL

Purchase a LEFturn hat-

* www.kaseykahnestore.com/product.php?id=427

* Order by phone 704-662-8549 x201

* Kasey Kahne Racing in Mooresville North Carolina, located at 265 Cayuga Drive, Mooresville, NC. Hours : Monday-Friday 11 AM – 3 PM

On occasion, I've made mention of insurance that is available for racers - as long as your racing vehicle has a roll cage and you are strapped/belted in. It can be found if you go here: http://www.stida.com/

Prior to typing this in, I went to their website to see if there was any kind of life insurance, since stida basically covers hospital and maybe other costs.

I found this: "Other benefits include:

Each member will receive $10,000 in accidental death and dismemberment coverage. This policy is for the driver while racing only."

Most “Life” insurance policies, from what I’ve heard, have exclusions in them that if you are fatally injured while racing, you would not be covered.

Dave Blaney thinks part failure caused Jason Leffler crash

In part:

"According to his team, Leffler was wearing a Simpson Hybrid head and neck restraint system, which is one of six approved for use in NASCAR. The Delaware County (Pa.) Medical Examiner ruled Thursday that Leffler was killed from a blunt force neck injury, which occurs when an object strikes the body with force causing compression of tissue. Head and neck restraints are designed to prevent injuries resulting from deceleration trauma when the body is moving and strikes another moving or stationary object, causing stretching or tearing of body tissue."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2013/06/14/nascar-jason-leffler-crash-death-dave-blaney-sprint-cars/2423991/

Hamlin changes paint scheme to honor Leffler

BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) -- Denny Hamlin's No. 11 Toyota changed its paint scheme for Sunday's race at Michigan to the one that was used when Jason Leffler drove the car in 2005.

The tribute paint scheme was Hamlin's idea and approved by Joe Gibbs Racing and sponsor FedEx following Leffler's death Wednesday in an accident at a dirt track in New Jersey. He was 37.

''He was the reason FedEx came into the sport and it just made sense,'' Hamlin said. ''We asked the sponsor if it was good and Joe Gibbs Racing found someone Saturday evening to get somebody here and get it done.''

Hamlin finished 30th Sunday.

Leffler drove 19 Sprint Cup Series in 2005 with JGR as it launched the No. 11 as its third team, and FedEx Senior Vice President of Marketing Laurie Tucker hailed him as ''an integral part of the formation of the No. 11 team.''

J.J. Yeley drove the car for four races that season and Hamlin closed out the year behind the wheel for the final seven events. Hamlin has driven the car since and the No. 11 is currently a predominantly black paint scheme.

The car was rewrapped by the team Saturday night into the primarily white paint scheme used when Leffler drove the No. 11.

''We feel fortunate to have had (Leffler) as part of both our Nationwide Series program and of course in the Cup Series where he helped us launch the No. 11 team with FedEx,'' team owner Joe Gibbs said earlier this week. ''NASCAR is unique in that it really is one large family and Jason was well liked by all that knew him. His loss will be felt across the entire sport.''

Something else that most are not aware of. I found this on the Track Forum:

Jason Leffler & Fedex

“Leffler, and Fedex Donate $500,000 to Victory Junction: #11-Jason

Leffler has donated $250,000 to the Victory Junction Gang Camp,

and his sponsor, FedEx, has made a matching $250,000 donation

to the camp. "This is an incredibly generous show of support for

Victory Junction by Jason and FedEx," said camp founder Kyle Petty.

The donations will be used to finance construction of a new cabin

and to help bring more children to the facility this year. "My wife

Alison and I feel very strongly about the camp that Kyle and Pattie

have built and want to support this great program," Leffler said.

(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-18-2005)

Way to go Fed-ex and Jason, It appears to me that driving

for Mr. Gibbs, you learn to give. For awhile I think Tony

Stewart was giving away more $$$$$$$ away then he was

making, and now Leffler has stepped up.”

What some had to say – maybe you’ve heard of them?

From Facebook:

from BOB JENKINS

Hi Everyone,

One of the most versatile and likeable race drivers ever to strap on a helmet was killed Wednesday night June 12 in a winged sprint car crash in New Jersey. Jason Leffler graduated to the various NASCAR series after an impressive open-wheel career.

In 1999, he became the third driver to win three consecutive USAC national midget championships after winning the USAC Silver Crown title the year before. His victories in the midget ranks included the Hut Hundred, the Night Before the 500, the Belleville Midget Nationals, the Turkey Night Grand Prix and the Copper World Classic. His accomplishments were rewarded with an induction into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2000 he made his one and only start in the Indianapolis 500 finishing 17th.

Jason moved to NASCAR where in a 12 year period, he made more than 400 starts in the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. He finished in the top 10 in points for six consecutive years in the Nationwide division and gave Toyota its first win in that series in July 2007 at Lucas Oil Raceway in Clermont, Indiana. In all, he had 2 Nationwide victories and one in the truck series. He finished 43rd in the Pocono Sprint Cup event Sunday June 9th.

This year Jason decided to "return to his roots" and teamed up with Tom Buch Racing for 50-65 winged sprint car races. Reports indicate the Long Beach, California native flipped down the front stretch, hit the wall, and was pinned in the car. After extrication, he was helicoptered to a local hospital and pronounced dead at 9pm eastern time.

Jason, whose nickname was "LEFturn", was divorced but worshipped his 6-year old son Charlie Dean. Little Charlie was named after Jason's dad Charlie and Jason's boyhood hero Dean Thompson a legendary sprint car racer.

Jason's death has touched me greatly. Although I hadn't seen or talked with him much the last few years, I sure do remember him driving USAC sprints, midgets and Silver Crown cars. I used to kid him about his "spiked" hair and his love for video games. I would venture to guess that he never turned down a photo or autograph request and you'd be hard pressed to see him without a smile.

I'll be thinking about Jason and Charlie and other members of Jason's family today and in many days to come. The sport we all love so much has taken another one of our heroes but we're left with fond memories of the spiked hair, ear-to-ear smile and incredible racing talent that Jason Leffler gave us.

Bob

MILLER: Remembering Leffler, Helping Charlie

Robin Miller Posted June 15, 2013

The 5-4 Californian who lost his life in a sprint-car accident last Wednesday night always ran with the big boys and was never intimidated by the competition.

The irony that he was sponsored by Great Clips didn't escape Jason Leffler.

"Makes sense to me, young and good looking, I'm the logical choice," he deadpanned before breaking into laughter back in 2010.

Leffler's red hair, with the Billy Idol spike job, fit his personality because he was a racer with a flair for standing out in a crowd despite being vertically challenged.

"We called him Elrod for the little kid on the Jetsons and Mini-Me because he was the world's shortest race driver," said P.J. Jones. "But brother he always stood up in the seat when he was driving and he was a hard charger who never took any s*** from anyone. He was always on the gas."

The 5-4 Californian who lost his life in a sprint-car accident last Wednesday night always ran with the big boys and was never intimidated by the competition or the stage he was performing on.

Matter of fact, he could be a downright bully -- all 150 pounds of him!

"Oh man, he never hesitated to give you the bumper if you were holding him up, which I did quite often," recalled Dario Franchitti of his NASCAR Nationwide experience in 2008. "He might have been as aggressive a driver as I ever met and he taught me a few things. But he was the nicest guy outside of his race car."

Leffler learned that aggression in USAC, where he excelled on the bullrings and short tracks in midgets -- winning three consecutive championships from 1997-99 and also the USAC Silver Crown title.

"I met him when he was 12 or 13. He came over to our shop and never left," said Jones, who along with brother Page were the west coast hot shots in midgets at Ascot Park in the late '80s and early '90s. "He was a helluva mechanic and he worked on our midgets all the time. We ate lunch together every day and he had a cheesburger, french fries and a bottle of ketchup.

"Basically, he became the third Jones brother and then after working on our cars he decided he wanted to be a driver. Hell, he didn't start driving until he was 15 or 16 but he was fast learner."

Six years after starting, Leffler was a USAC midget champ at age 22 and those were the days when being a front-runner in USAC was a direct ticket to NASCAR. He followed Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Kasey Kahne to stock car country in 2000 and instantly won three pole positions in the Nationwide series.

That got Jason a seat in Chip Ganassi's Cup team for 2001 but it wasn't a top tier operation and he struggled before being replaced by Jimmy Spencer. That set off a car and series and car-hopping oddessey that pretty much defined the next decade. Fast in the truck series and with a couple wins in Nationwide for different teams, Leffler got the nod from Joe Gibbs in 2005 to wheel the FedEx Special in the Sprint Cup. It ended after 19 races and that was pretty much it as far as getting another shot in NASCAR's top rung.

"We talked about it a lot and I just don't think Jason was mentally ready for Cup, he just didn't seem to have the confidence he usually carried," continued Jones, whose success in sports cars for Dan Gurney led him to Indy cars and NASCAR's three divisions as well.

Like Sam Hornish, it seemed like Jason found a home in Nationwide. He scored Toyota's initial NASCAR win in 2007 at Indianapolis Raceway Park and was rewarded with a ride in the Toyota Great Clips car from 2009-2011 -- sharing the seat with Kahne. He was back in trucks in 2012 along with some one-offs in Cup but had no stomach for the start and park circuit.

"I know it's decent money but I didn't start doing this to pull in after a couple laps so I'll just go back to short tracks in midgets and sprints," said Leffler last January at the Chili Bowl.

Of course his lone NASCAR start this year was last weekend at Pocono in that exact scenario ("He probably needed a quick 10 grand," reckoned Jones, "plus he was already in Pennsylvania.") in between running the All-Star sprint series.

P.J. talked his old friend a few days before his fatal crash.

"We were joking around and I said you're getting your ass kicked and laughed and said, 'Yeah, it's not that easy in these winged cars," said Jones. "You know he'd never driven a winged sprinter before this year but he was getting better. He was all excited because he'd finished right behind Sammy Swindell in a heat race."

Jones didn't think Leffler missed the big time all that much, other than the money it could bring.

"He was having fun, taking Charlie (his 5-year-old) son with him to the races and they had started karting. They were having a blast.

"I'm headed to Colorado with my two boys to go karting and I keep thinking of Mini Me and Charlie. It just tears your heart out."

USAC HELPING CHARLIE

Leffler had no life insurance but longtime racing promoter/publicist Bill Marvel has started the Charlie Dean Leffler Fund through the United States Auto Club's Benevolent Foundation.

Marvel announced Saturday that USAC's Benevolent Foundation, which has been supporting and aiding deceased drivers, mechanics and their families for six decades, will match any donation dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. After the $50,000 mark is reached all donations will be added to it.

In addition, Marvel is setting up a PayPal account but it won't be operable until Tuesday.

Donations should be sent to USAC Benevolent Foundation, 4910 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46224. Any and all inquiries should be emailed to bill marvel@gmail.com

Robin Miller brings 40 years of experience to his role as SPEED.com's senior open-wheel reporter, and serves as a frequent contributor to SPEED Center and Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain.

Note: The above was found here: http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/miller-remembering-leffler-helping-charlie/

Parnelli Jones hit hard by Jason Leffler's death

UPDATED JUN 14, 2013 2:57 PM ET

An emotional Parnelli Jones fondly recalled Jason Leffler's rise from a volunteer in Jones' race shop to a championship-caliber driver.

Leffler, a native of Long Beach, Calif., died Wednesday night from injuries suffered in a sprint car crash in New Jersey. The Delaware County (Pa.) medical examiner determined Leffler died from a blunt force neck injury. He was 37.

An avid Jones fan, Leffler considered the 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner his mentor dating back to his teenage years when he was working in the Torrance, Calif., shop alongside Jones' sons, Page and PJ.

''Jason was one of the nicest, most positive people I have ever been around,'' Jones said Friday by phone from California. ''But that all changed when he got into a race car - his desire to succeed and do well, win was enormous. He was a competitor. He was a charger. Looking back now, he even had more fight and desire than I thought. Desire is a word that describes him well.''

Jones recalled Leffler's father dropping him off at the race shop as a 13-year-old in the early morning so Leffler could learn how to work on midget cars.

''He's still around working `til 2 a.m. helping with anything and everything,'' Jones said. ''He loved racing and loved being in the shop with the boys. Jason was very close to our family for a long time - almost 25 years, and he was someone we grew up with and remained close to.''

Jones said Leffler had unhealthy eating and exercise habits when he first began racing, but eventually saw the error of his ways.

''He was in bad shape, he'd eat hamburgers and junk food and `fall out of the seat,''' Jones said. ''But then he saw the benefits of working out and getting in shape to be a better driver and he sure wasn't afraid to work to become a better driver, which he did. Jason paid his dues for sure.''

Leffler won four USAC Midget championships - three consecutive from 1997-99 - and eventually followed Tony Stewart's path from sprint cars to IndyCar and then NASCAR. Leffler made 423 starts in NASCAR's three national series, winning the two Nationwide races and one Truck Series event in a career that began in 1999. He also made three IndyCar Series starts, finishing 17th in the 2000 Indianapolis 500.

Leffler's last full NASCAR season was 2011, when he ran the entire Nationwide schedule for Turner Motorsports. He finished sixth in the standings that season and hadn't had a steady NASCAR ride since, which led to him running as many sprint car races as possible this year.

''He drove the wheels off of everything and was so fun to watch in a midget or sprint car,'' Jones said. ''Although he never found the success he wanted in Sprint Cup, Nationwide or the Truck Series, he always fought hard to be successful and always did his best in whatever car he was in that race or weekend. When he raced at Indianapolis in 2000 he was so proud to be part of the event. The 500 meant a lot to him - the track, the history of the event and the people involved.''

Leffler was divorced and a doting father to his 5-year-old son, Charlie Dean.

His girlfriend on Thursday tweeted a photo of the couple kissing, posting ''one day we'll dance at the dirt track to you and tequila and make me crazy and be married at the start finish line'' at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Although not the biggest star or household name, Leffler was popular among his peers and his death hit many in NASCAR and IndyCar hard.

At the IndyCar race at the Milwaukee Mile, Ed Carpenter Racing team manager Tim Broyles designed a special decal of Leffler's nickname, `LEFturn' that was offered to all the teams. Carpenter was a fellow USAC competitor with Leffler in the USAC midget and Silver Crown races in the early 2000s.

''Jason was such a fun guy to be around and we're all very lucky we got to work side-by-side and travel with him to races over the years,'' Jones said. ''He'll be with us for a long time, forever.''

KERCHNER: The Heat Race

by Mike Kerchner - NSSN

Jason Leffler was more than a “NASCAR” driver.

The 37-year-old driver was killed Wednesday night at Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey was being remembered in headlines across the nation as a NASCAR driver, but he was a four-time USAC national champion, Indianapolis 500 starter, National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Famer and — most importantly — a dad.

While NASCAR fans will remember Leffler as the hard-nosed kid, who drove as hard as anyone en route to winning two NASCAR Nationwide Series races and a Camping World Truck Series event after 294 NASCAR Nationwide Series, 56 Camping World Truck Series and 73 Sprint Cup Series starts, open-wheel fans will remember his dominant run in a USAC midget from 1997 through 1999, which saw him earn three consecutive USAC National Midget Series championships. He also won the USAC Silver Crown title in 1998.

Leffler won 19 USAC midget races during his career, including many of midget racing’s most important events. He was so good that he was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Famer in 2003 when he was only 27 years old.

Leffler made several IndyCar Series starts, including the 2000 Indianapolis 500.

If you still don’t understand Leffler’s importance to short-track auto racing and you use social media, take a look at the Facebook and Twitter posts of some of the sport’s top stars including up-and-coming driver Kyle Larson, who posted photos of himself as a youngster getting Leffler’s autograph.

Leffler well known for taking time for fans, especially when he was racing his midget or sprint car at tracks across the nation and surely Larson wasn’t the only youngster to meet Leffler and go on to achieve greatness in his field.

Leffler’s impact on the sport will be seen in numerous racing series over the weekend as he’ll be remembered at events sanctioned by NASCAR, IndyCar, USAC and the World of Outlaws to name just a few.

He was more than a “NASCAR” driver and keep that in mind today when you remember him, and have some good thoughts for Leffler’s son Charlie during the days, weeks and months to come.

Jessica Kourkounis for The New York Times

The race in which Leffler died at Bridgeport Speedway carried a $7,000 payoff for the winner.

Most of the country’s roughly 500 dirt tracks have no safety barriers along the walls, and drivers race without the same interior head restraints that major tracks require. The small racetrack owners often cannot afford top-of-the-line safety equipment, and there are so many sanctioning bodies that there is no standard for safety regulations, as there is in Nascar and IndyCar.

It can all add up to a deadly combination, and on Wednesday night, the longtime Nascar driver Jason Leffler became at least the sixth driver to die in a crash on a dirt track in the last 13 months. Leffler, 37, was killed during a sprint car race at Bridgeport Speedway dirt track in New Jersey. The cause of the accident is being investigated by New Jersey law enforcement.

“It’s like a bad addiction,” said Donny Schatz, a five-time dirt track champion who was a friend of Leffler’s. “It’s something you grow to love and learn to enjoy. I asked myself after the passing of Jason Leffler, What is it about it that makes you want to do it? It’s unfortunate that things happen, but it’s the love of it. It grows on you.”

Dirt track drivers are hardly competing for fame and fortune. The race in which Leffler died offered the winner a $7,000 payoff.

Leffler’s death came just a few days after he finished last in a Sprint Cup event at Pocono Raceway. The Sprint Cup is Nascar’s highest level of racing and is not related to sprint cars.

Many Nascar drivers took to social media to extend their sympathies, though he had not had a regular Nascar ride in about two years.

“Had a great talk with him just the other day,” the Nascar driver Landon Cassill wrote on Twitter. “We reminded each other why we love racing and do what we do. He was family.”

Schatz, of Fargo, N.D., said he called his car manufacturer after Leffler’s accident and said he wanted to make his car stronger.

“There’s really no regulation as to what a person uses,” Schatz said. “But it’s up to the competitor to take the precautions necessary to be safe.”

He said he now wears neck and head restraints, though he used to be skeptical of them.

Brian Carter is the chief executive of World Racing Group, which manages the World of Outlaws sprint car dirt track racing series. The group sanctions roughly 150 event nights a year and mandates some safety requirements for cars and tracks, including that ambulances be on hand. But it does not mandate the types of safety barriers typically used in Nascar.