Sprint-car driver Jason Johnson dies at 41 after injuries sustained in crash
It’s a tragic day in the world of auto racing.
Jason Johnson, who competes in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, died Sunday of injuries sustained in a crash Saturday evening.
Johnson was just 41.
Sad day in the World of Outlaw Series and racing community as driver Jason Johnson lost his life due to injuries after a crash in last night's race in Wisconsin. Rest in peace JJ! 🏁🙌 pic.twitter.com/KHHuQBYD2v
— Joseph Lombard (@n2sc4r) June 24, 2018
Johnson, from Eunice, Louisiana, was competing in the Jim Boyd Memorial at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
During lap 18 of the 40-lap race, Johnson was involved in a crash while racing for the lead on the third-mile oval. Johnson’s car flipped heading into Turn 3 and crashed into billboards outside the track, according to ESPN.
Emergency crews attended to Johnson and he was soon transported to Aurora Summit Hospital in Summit, Wisconsin, by helicopter, according to the World of Outlaws website.
He succumbed to those injuries and died Sunday morning, according to World of Outlaws. He is survived by his wife Bobbi and five-year-old son Jaxx.
“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. Additional information will be made when available and appropriate,” World of Outlaws said in a statement.
“With the same courage, passion and vigor that he raced with each night, he fought valiantly to the end,” Jason Johnson Racing said in a statement, according to ESPN. “His love of life and sprint car racing was only surpassed by his deep and authentic love for his family, friends, competitors and fans.
“He never met a stranger, and certainly never met anyone that he was not willing to help or provide guidance. It is that giving and caring spirit that we will all forever miss,” Jason Johnson Racing added.
Johnson, known as the Ragin’ Cajun, was a successful driver in the ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series, where he won five championships.
He also had two wins in the World of Outlaws series this year.
Several NASCAR racers occasionally compete in the World of Outlaws series, including Kyle Larson, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Kasey Kahne. The news of Johnson’s death cast a pall over NASCAR’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Sonoma Raceway on Sunday.
Life isn’t fair sometimes… Praying for Bobbi, Jaxx, friends and family of @JasonJohnsonRac. RIP Jason!
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) June 24, 2018
“You never want to see it happen in any sport, but it hits a little closer to home when it’s the sport you grew up doing and you’re still a part of every now and then,” said Stenhouse, according to ESPN.
Won some races, and championships together. Jason was a great leader for his team and strong man for his family. He went about things his own way and was really fun to watch. Still praying for Bobbi Jaxx Phillip and the rest of the family. Racing is their life. RIP Jason!! pic.twitter.com/6tGfFKcDf1
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) June 24, 2018
“He was the toughest competitor that there was. He was one of the best,” Stenhouse said of Johnson, his friend of 20 years, according to ESPN. “He was the true car owner [and] driver, and it’s tough to do that these days. A lot of people respected him being able to do that.”
Our prayers are with Johnson’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
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