BELLEVILLE, Kan. — IndyCar driver Bryan Clauson died Monday after sustaining injuries in a crash during a race on Saturday.
His family issued a statement through Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which was read Monday morning in a press conference by IMS President Doug Boles.
They said goodbye late Sunday night, but said Clauson fought until the very end.
Clauson was 27 years old and a native of Noblesville, Indiana.
The Clauson family asks that if you consider donations, you do so at https://t.co/CwZdm5Xb5X
— Dave Furst (@DaveFurst) August 8, 2016
Clauson sustained fatal injuries during a crash Saturday night in the 39th annual Belleville Nationals when his car hit a guard rail and flipped several times. His car then spun back into the flow of traffic and he was violently struck by another driver.
It took about 30 minutes to get Clauson out of the car. He was airlifted to Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln, NE.
Clauson has three starts in the Indy 500 and was well known on the Midget car scene. He won USAC titles in 2010, 2011, and 2015.
Clauson was considered the nation's top short-track dirt-car driver. He won four USAC national championships and was participating in his 116th race of the season on Saturday night.
His schedule this year was on pace for 200 starts, and that included a 23rd-place finish in the Indianapolis 500.
Clauson had been in a crash at the same track the night before, his last tweets thanked the safety crews for keeping him safe.
Took a tough hit last night, but the guys have me another hot rod ready for tonight's Belleville Midget Nationals! pic.twitter.com/3EIdNe9otY
— Bryan Clauson (@BryanClauson) August 6, 2016
Thanks to @SimpsonRacing and @SpikeChassis for keeping me safe!
— Bryan Clauson (@BryanClauson) August 6, 2016
An outpouring of support has come via Twitter, with IndyCar drivers, friends and fans are asking for prayers for Clauson.
He took part in 115 races in his goal to 200 this year. Won 27 of them. No one loved the sport more than BC. pic.twitter.com/EF6783nhjs
— Dave Furst (@DaveFurst) August 8, 2016
Checkered flag on a life well lived.
Thank you BC.
Godspeed our friend. https://t.co/tWmyXNutIs
— Byrd Racing (@ByrdRacing) August 8, 2016
Our thoughts are with #Indy500 competitor @BryanClauson and we wish him a speedy recovery. #INDYCAR
— IndyCar Series (@IndyCar) August 7, 2016
Waking up to not some great news about our friend Bryan Clauson. Taking a moment to pray that he can make a recovery and for his family
— Gabby Chaves (@GabbyChaves) August 7, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with our friend Bryan Clauson and his family. pic.twitter.com/hS4C19MbLt
— Toyota Racing (@ToyotaRacing) August 7, 2016
Thinking and praying for @BryanClauson today...
— Ed Carpenter (@edcarpenter20) August 7, 2016
The @IMS family is sending our thoughts and prayers to @BryanClauson this morning.
— Indy Motor Speedway (@IMS) August 7, 2016
