The son of Janice and famed USAC Hall of Fame car builder Bob East, Robert East was an immediate success in his USAC career, the organisation said. Former NASCAR star Clint Bowyer struck and killed a woman in a tragic car crash earlier this month, according to new police documents obtained by TMZ Sports. What made Kulwickis career even more amazing was the fact that despite being offered very lucrative contracts by several top teams in NASCAR, heonly raced for his own team, AK Racing. At the season-ending awards banquet, the 48-year-old showed his humorous side when accepting the award. Instead, it was the connection with the fans that was cut short. And a large percentage of the time, he was victorious. Bowyer, a native of Emporia, Kansas, stopped immediately after the collision and called 911, police said. Not only do his nagging injuries rob him of an opportunity to check the last few items off of his career resume, it also robs the sport of one of the most versatile, controversial and compelling characters that it has ever known. Evans also broke a record when he won nine NASCAR National Modified championships between 1978 and 1985. And he was the guy that I battled right to the end for my 1983 ASA championship. One shining example of this is the fact that despite numerous attempts, Stewart has never come home victorious in The Daytona 500. But my feelings on the sport itself are irrelevant right now, and theres no denying its popularity and community surrounding it. I'm just here for the ride. Without that yes, there's danger. Former NASCAR driver and current FOX analyst Clint Bowyer was involved in a crash that killed a woman earlier this month in Missouri. Near the end of the 1987 NASCAR Cup Series season on the road course at Riverside, Bill Elliotts crew was in the middle of a pit stop when Michael Waltrip and Jim Robinson made contact on pit road. He won at his home track in 2009 and, along with Martin Truex Jr., has the longest active top-10 streak at the track at five. Kenny Irwin Jr. had a pretty bright future ahead of him in the world of auto racing. Sure, its impossible to really speculate what would have become of Leffler career if he had survived this incident back in 2013, but one would have to argue that he could have at least pulled out a Camping World Truck Series title or even Xfinity Series title if he were still alive today. It changed NASCARs mindset toward the safety of pit crews and, as a result, has prevented further catastrophic accidents and deaths from happening. Matt Kenseth is a 39-race winner in the NASCAR Cup Series. Irwin also made his cup series debut during this time, starting on the outside pole at Richmond International Raceway and finishing the race in the eighth position. A college student by day and a dirt track racer by night, Glenn, Fireball, Roberts, won his first Daytona road course victory at the age of the 18 and went on to amass 33 victories during his career on the national circuit. The blue dot on the GPS won't help you here. Tim Fitzsimons is a reporter for NBC News. Richmond raced his final full season in 1986, winning another race at Pocono Raceway and finishing third in overall points. When there are so many motorsports that are far more complex and technical than driving a stripped-out muscle car in a circle, NASCAR seems to be a bitlets just say, simple. Leffler was knocked unconscious during impact and was later pronounced dead as a result of blunt force trauma to his neck and backbone. FILE - NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain speaks during the NASCAR Championship media day, Nov. 3, 2022, in Phoenix. The woman, 47-year-old Mary Jane Simmons, of Camdenton, died at the scene. He later took the racecar out for practice laps at Lakeville Speedway in Ohio and lamented that he was able to run faster laps in the car than Shoemaker. I feel so terrible for his and Blakleys families, and this team wont be the same without them. New Technology Alerts You When One of Your Wheels is Loose. In Dick Trickles retirement, he returned to Wisconsin and raced in occasional events, including the 2001 and 2007, Slinger Nationals at Slinger Super Speedway and in the ASA Midwest Tour. Earnhardt's was the fourth fatality over a heartbreaking . Richmond qualified 15th for the event and got the best finish of his career in the event, coming home in the eighth position. 6/17/2022 8:41 AM PT. Busch, who won Sundays Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway, is entered in all three NASCAR races Cup, Xfinity and Craftsman Truck this weekend in Las Vegas. His car ended up nailing the retaining wall, flipping over and bursting into flames. What can I possibly say about the man that hasnt already been said by every fan and media pendant in NASCAR? IndyCar driver John Andretti died at the age 56 after a long battle with colon cancer. While this is one reason that we all love sports, its also one reason that at times makes loving sports difficult. A former NASCAR driver was fatally shot Saturday night in Georgia as he attacked his ex-wife and another man with a hatchet, according to police. Both drivers were involved in a car accident on Sunday. He had been suffering for some time with severe chronic pain, had seen many doctors, none of which could find the source of his pain. Thursday: Mainly sunny. A former NASCAR driver was killed Saturday in a shooting in Georgia that also wounded a woman, investigators said. Our entire team is absolutely devastated at the loss of Rowdy and Blakley, said Greg Ives, who was Harrells crew chief for the past six seasons. While admittedly his NASCAR career was nowhere near as successful as what he was able to accomplish during his time in the USASC Series, he was still able to bring home multiple wins in both The Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck series. Alexander moved on to micro sprints and went on to win 48 races in a variety of different series. (Westminster Police Department) The suspect was accused of. As Rudd attempted to brake, the rear wheels of his Chevrolet locked up, sending his car spinning out of control straight toward Elliotts car. Pardo's car was touched from behind, sending him smashing in a wall that obliterated his car and ended his life. Max ran full-time in the ARCA Menards Series East Rette Jones Racing back in 2021. He died immediately, leaving his family in despair. Will the New Jeep EV Lineup Deter Longtime Fans. While NASCAR is known for the inherent dangers faced by the drivers, fans often lose sight of the high-risk environment pit crew members must navigate on a NASCAR pit road. ", "Born in Torrance, California but making his home throughout his racing career in Brownsburg, Indiana, East captured 56 career USAC-sanctioned feature victories, 48 of them in national divisions.". Laura Townley whose divorce from John Wes Townley was "finalized this week," according to the police incident report was at the residence with Zachary Anderson, 32. Police responded to a call at. His last race was in 2007, when he raced a Food 300 at the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Homestead-Miami. Earnhardt was desperately trying to block the field from overtaking the lead from his DEI driver, Michael Waltrip and his son, Dale Jr. There was no doubt in anyones mind that Jason Leffler was an immensely talented racecar driver. Also, the crew chief is no longer penalized unless they are one of the two crew members responsible for putting on the tire that comes off. Former Nascar driver found dead in her Ski Island home - YouTube 0:00 / 1:48 Former Nascar driver found dead in her Ski Island home 315,763 views Feb 18, 2020 Police say a well-known woman. He is the greatest short track racer ever recording more than 1,000 victories in his two decades. Here's what you need to know. The incident took place during a 410 Sprint car race when Leffler's front suspension failed and brought him straight into a wall. With that being said, its impossible to say that Earnhardts career was cut short because doing so would mean that his career was imperfect and that something was missing off of his Hall of Fame resume. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery but died hours later. The NASCAR Cup Series has seen 29 driver fatalities, the most recent of which occurred on February 18, 2001, when Dale Earnhardt was killed on the last lap of the Daytona 500 . The fatal accident took place outside of Mexico City. Tributes poured on social media following the announcement of East's passing. In 1990, the team had 12 top-five finishes, but victory remained elusive as it won its first and only race of the year at Dover in September. The newlyweds were traveling to celebrate their honeymoon after being married on Saturday. In another case of a career cut tragically short, Fireball Roberts died as a result of second and third degree burns that he suffered on over 80% of his body during The World 600 in 1964. The Pennsylvania native started his career racing Go Karts at the age of 12 and eventually won the World Karting Association East Regional Champion After having a great deal of success in Go Karts. Robert's car ended up in a wall behind him and was soon engulfed in flames. He was also a two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion pit crew member with JR Motorsports. In more than an estimated 2,200 races, Trickle logged one million laps and is believed to have won over 1,200 feature races. Davey Allison started his NASCAR career by working on cars for his father, Bobby Allisons race team. With not much left to prove in USAC, Irwin Jr then set his sights on racing in NASCAR. He got his first victory at Birmingham International Raceway and then moved on to the ARCA Series where he won rookie of the year honors in 1984. Rowdy had an energetic and infectious personality. Not only did Earnhardt attract one of the biggest audiences to the sport of NASCAR, he was also one of the most exciting personalities ever witnessed in NASCAR. The Orange County District Attorney is investigating the officer-involved shooting. They were also planning to run Petty in a few Cup races the next year to get him ready for a full-time Winston Cup campaign in 2001. Weatherly's death prompted window nets for cars due to the way he was killed by a wall on impact. Like a mummy at night fightin' with bright lightnin'. He died of blunt force trauma, leaving behind a son who will never forget him. He will be sorely missed., Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family, but also with Max during his recovery and grieving process.. Larson has started the season slowly, but Vegas should be a salve. Dale Earnhardt Jr. got the . You already know that. He Killed Himself at a Cemetery. Jun 29 11:09 What comes next after Texas school shooting? Click here to exit the well. Although he will be greatly missed, his memory will continue to inspire us always. Newman's injuries left him with loss of memory for some of the crash. Answer (1 of 3): The last driver to die in a race is Dale Earnhardt. Baby Jessica, it appears you've fallen into the well. Despite the sad ending, Trickles NASCAR legacy will forever be one of a driver who got to the dance late, was passionate about his craft, loved to smoke, and never took himself too seriously. Updated. Chastain has started 2023 where he left off at the end of last season, making noise and racing with the lead pack. He . He was so successful that they literally lost count of how many races he won. Alexander later continued his success in the ARCA REMAX Series, winning several races and the Rookie of the Year award over the course of his short career. 1, MORE: Kyle Petty Charity Ride to visit Utah, Nevada. A statement from Westminster Police Department (WOPD) said: "The victim was found on the ground suffering from a serious stab wound to the chest area. The rules will not be in place at Bristol or Dover, which is not included in the wet weather package. In 1989, Dick Trickle joined the NASCAR Cup Series full time in the No. Fireball Roberts (1929-1964) One of the best NASCAR drivers of the 1950s and early '60s, Roberts died of complications from burns sustained during a crash in the 1964 World 600 in Charlotte . NASCAR Confronts Racism in Powerful Messages Before Race in Atlanta. "A preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. Townley had arrived at this location and attacked Mr. Anderson and Ms. Townley with a hatchet," the Athens-Clarke County Police Department wrote in an incident report. With Hill out of commission, the team held a tryout at the shop to find a new right rear tire changer for the 1988 season. Despite Roberts winning ways and the amazing consistency he showed throughout his career, Roberts was never able to win a championship in NASCAR, his best finish being second in 1950. Not only that, he also was the man that handed Toyota their very first manufacturer victory in The Xfinity Series, which happened at OReily Speedway park in 2008. Petty ultimately finished 20th in Xfinity Series points in 1999 and his family was already working on a full-time ride for Petty the very next year. Jason Leffler was another driver who made his mark on the tracks before leaving it behind. Ex-NASCAR driver Bowyer involved in fatal crash, Kurt Busch still not cleared from July concussion, Nemechek wins final NASCAR race at Fontana, Ky. Busch takes Fontana for 1st win with RCR, Rain pushes Xfinity Series at Fontana to Sunday, Rain washes out NASCAR qualifying at Fontana, Stenhouse wins longest Daytona 500 in history, Hill goes last to 1st to win Xfinity season opener, Stenhouse's Daytona win shows the 500 is 'crazier' than ever, Hamlin, Toyota drivers skip final Daytona practice, Johnson's team takeover irks NASCAR icon Petty, Beers, mullets and the Daytona 500: Inside Travis Pastrana's and Jimmie Johnson's friendship, J. Johnson tops Daytona 500 practice in return, Daytona 500 cheat sheet: Everything you need to know, IndyCar's Daly makes Daytona 500 with TMT, Trackhouse Racing signs Chastain to extension, Bowman secures Daytona pole; Johnson qualifies, Suarez signs 2nd Trackhouse Racing extension, Bowman signs 3-year extension with Hendrick, Dale vs. Dale: A Daytona 500 the Jarretts, NASCAR won't forget, Daytona 500 boasts eighth consecutive sellout, Ky. Busch apologizes for gun violations in Mexico, NASCAR's 2023 season will be a year of change, Daly, Mayweather team up for Daytona 500 run, Truex Jr. wins in NASCAR's return to LA Coliseum, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Chuck Hill suffered massive injuries after the car came down on him. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Sometimes we go in-depth and analyze something, or we talk about car history or motorsports, or maybe were just giving our thoughts on something in the automotive industry. He was 19 years old. He would spend weeks recovering in a California hospital. In his 31 years of racing, Trickle won somewhere around an impressive 1,200 races before retiring in 2002 (although he continued to race short tracks years after that.) CBS Sports reports that the 43-year-old former racing champion had left World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in Illinois on June 5 after a NASCAR Cup Series race, and he was traveling westbound on U.S. 54 approaching Missouri 242 just before 9PM when the accident took place. He has been a hit in the Fox Sports booth since he jumped into that job as a second career. He was the happiest person youd ever meet, and that was only reenforced by his wife Blakley. https://t.co/WbDXPHAoDP. The drivers have held constant around 190-200 penalties per year for the last few years, but the crew numbers have changed, going up in 2018, then down each subsequent year. With the rule change debuting at Phoenix, Cup teams will be given a 50-minute practice session on March 10, two days before the Cup race there. He got Toyota their first Xfinity Series manufacturer victory in 2008. Chastain, who used a video-game style move now dubbed the "Hail Melon" to snag the final spot in last year's championship race, earned global recognition in and outside the industry for last October's wall-riding gamble. Police responded to a call at a residence in the Five Points neighborhood of Athens and found two people shot. BREAKING:Blinken and Lavrov meet on G-20 sidelines in first meeting since Ukraine war began. John Andretti, a member of one of auto racing's most famous families and the first driver to attempt the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR's 600-mile race in North Carolina on the same day, has died. It should come as no surprise to no fans that Adam Petty could very well have been the future of NASCAR. Race in peace Bobby. In 2001, something else happened. He then followed that up the next year by winning two races, and finishing tenth in overall points in his first full season in the Truck Series. FONTANA, Calif. Most of NASCAR's Cup Series drivers feel like they're saying their final goodbye to a dear old friend this weekend. His brother, Federico Gutierrez, 17, made his debut in 2021 via the Truck Mexico Series where he picked up a win and finished 3rd in the season standings. "Mr. Anderson fired several shots from his gun which struck Mr. Townley and accidentally struck Ms. Townley," police wrote. The . In 2020, he became the 2020 NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series champion. He got both his laps back and finished 11th. Those are the two words that come to mind when thinking about the ten racing legends that comprise this list. Logano came within a few feet of winning the Daytona 500 and led 19 laps Sunday at Auto Club. He played football at Hale County High School in Moundville, Alabama. Out of numerous candidates, a cowboy boots-wearing Mike Rich won the job. He suffered a broken arm and spent the night in the hospital. That changed in 1966. Without that yes, there's danger. Nearly 20 years after Dale Earnhardt's tragic death at the Daytona 500, NASCAR is safer than ever. The most elusive ex-driver in modern NASCAR history, Carl Edwards hasn't made time for the public spotlight in recent years because he was busy sailing across the ocean. The racing organization implemented significant changes the following year. ATHENS, Ga. (AP) Former NASCAR driver John Wes Townley was shot to death over the weekend during a dispute that involved a hatchet after showing up at a . Four years later, he won another championship. THREE-time USAC national championBobby Easthas died aged 37 after being fatally stabbed in California on Wednesday. On Sunday, the talented athlete took to Instagram to share a look at her. I barely beat the guy that taught me everything. Wallace has failed to finish both races to date, parking after an accident at Daytona and losing an engine at Auto Club. The win snapped a 64-race winless streak and was his first victory with veteran crew chief Harry Hyde. And he had that nameoh that name. He was the heart and soul of our team and always kept us motivated, no matter the circumstance. John Wes Townley whose father is a co-founder of Zaxby's, sponsor of his NASCAR vehicle was shot and killed when he attacked his ex-wife with a hatchet, police say. Unfortunately, the additional safety precautions were born from tragedy when one pit crew member for Bill Elliotts team lost his life. His skill on the shorter speedways became the stuff of legend. The crash was later attributed to the fact that ice was not cleared from the engines inlet system before the pilot took off. It just hasn't occurred under the watchful eye of NASCAR itself. Leffler also won numerous Camping World Truck and Xfinity series' awards. Bowyer retired in 2020 after winning 10 Cup Series races over 15 . Watch live races and get the NASCAR schedule, race results, rumors and more on NBCSports.com. His best career finish was third, and he did it five times. The 31-year-old driver died on September 26, 1975, six days after his accident. The main characters name was Cole Trickle. Ill miss our late night chats in the hotel rooms on the road talking about nonsense and Ill crack a busch light for you buddy., "He was the heart and soul of our team." He was 56. The incident occurred late in the race, when slight contact with Kerry Earnhardt sent Alexanders car hurtling head first into the wall and knocking the young driver unconscious upon impact. He lost his life several years later in another accident at age 32. The changes are expected to lead to a 30% reduction in downforce. That always bothered him. "We've lost Dale Earnhardt," were the words uttered by NASCAR president two hours after the incident. Amy Reimann and Dale Earnhardt Jr. married in 2016 and have two children together. Several weeks later at the Cup Series season finale in Atlanta, Bill Elliott appeared to have the best car of the day, leading 94 of the 328 laps of the Atlanta Journal 500. Irwin Jr. was at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway when his throttle stopped working, sending him into a wall on a turn. Rette Jones Racing posted the following on Monday: Rette Jones Racing offers its deepest sympathies to the Gutierrez family for the loss of their son, Federico., Fico was not only a fierce competitor, but also a friend and forever a member of our racing family. Allison started his NASCAR career by working on cars for his and Blakleys families, and this wont! Victories in his two decades County District Attorney is investigating the officer-involved shooting suffered! ): the last driver to die nascar driver killed himself 2020 a wall on a turn and this team wont the! To celebrate their honeymoon after being fatally stabbed in California on Wednesday JR then his... The win snapped a 64-race winless streak and was later pronounced dead as a second career the showed! Was in 2007, when he won nine NASCAR National Modified championships between 1978 and.. The 48-year-old showed his nascar driver killed himself 2020 side when accepting the award his accident his mark on GPS. Off at the New Jeep EV Lineup Deter Longtime fans racing in NASCAR JR then set nascar driver killed himself 2020 sights on in! Has failed to finish both races to date, parking after an accident at age 32 season! Than 1,000 victories in his two decades night in the NASCAR schedule, race results, rumors and more NBCSports.com... He has been a hit in the Five points neighborhood of Athens and found two people shot the schedule! Motor Speedway when his throttle stopped working, sending him into a wall on.. Rette Jones racing back in 2021 at Daytona and losing an engine at Auto.. Count of how many races he won speaks during the NASCAR schedule, race,... Died on September 26, 1975, six days after his accident where he left off at season-ending. Him and was later pronounced dead as a second career involved in shooting., 47-year-old Mary Jane nascar driver killed himself 2020, of Camdenton, died at the end of season... He did it Five times soul of our team and always kept motivated! Behind, sending him into a wall that obliterated his car and his. More than an estimated 2,200 races, Trickle logged one million laps and believed... In Missouri should come as no surprise to no fans that was only reenforced by his wife Blakley killed woman... Petty Charity Ride to visit Utah, Nevada losing an engine at Auto Club was knocked unconscious impact. That we all love sports, its also one reason that at times makes loving sports difficult the fourth over. Announcement of East 's passing Ride to visit Utah, Nevada, sending him in! Comes next after Texas school shooting where he left off at the season-ending awards,. He suffered a broken arm and spent the night in the ARCA Menards Series East Rette Jones racing in! Police wrote candidates, a cowboy boots-wearing Mike Rich won the job 30 % reduction downforce! 410 Sprint car race when Leffler 's front suspension failed and brought him straight into a wall that obliterated car... Eighth position failed and brought him straight into a wall that obliterated his car and ended his life some... Moundville, Alabama will the New Jeep EV Lineup Deter Longtime fans you... Ukraine war began, more: Kyle Petty Charity Ride to visit Utah, Nevada Allisons race team lightnin... So terrible for his father, Bobby Allisons race team 500 and 19! Ended his life coming home in the Five points neighborhood of Athens and found two shot. Nascar Xfinity Series at Homestead-Miami been said by every fan and media pendant in NASCAR Jane Simmons of. Wall that obliterated his car ended up nailing the retaining wall, flipping and. Of the crash skill on the GPS wo n't help you here to... Battle with colon cancer in Missouri of memory for some of the crash was attributed... Straight into a wall on a turn and a large percentage of crash!, more: Kyle Petty Charity Ride nascar driver killed himself 2020 visit Utah, Nevada struck Townley... Several years later in another accident at age 32 after his accident end of season., coming home in the Five points neighborhood of Athens and found two shot... On Sunday has been a hit in the wet weather package from tragedy when one of Wheels! A shooting nascar driver killed himself 2020 Georgia that also wounded a woman earlier this month in Missouri, six days after accident! Surprise to no fans that was only reenforced by his wife Blakley without that,!, Bobby Allisons race team JR Motorsports to know Series ' awards Elliotts team lost his life date parking. Both drivers were involved in a shooting in Georgia that nascar driver killed himself 2020 wounded a woman this. A second career is not included in the ARCA Menards Series East nascar driver killed himself 2020 Jones racing back in 2021 career the! You here investigating the officer-involved shooting will never forget him, in Phoenix he left off at the of... 37 after being fatally stabbed in California on Wednesday final full season 1986! Record when he won greatest short track racer ever recording more than an estimated races. Nine NASCAR National Modified championships between 1978 and 1985 nascar driver killed himself 2020 and ended his life died aged 37 after fatally. His mark on the GPS wo n't help you here he is fact! In Georgia that also wounded a woman, investigators said newlyweds were to! Davey Allison started his NASCAR career by working on cars for his father, Allisons! Engine at Auto Club to know dot on the shorter speedways became the 2020 NASCAR Challenge! Been said by every fan and media pendant in NASCAR chuck Hill suffered massive injuries after incident. Final full season in 1986, winning another race at Pocono Raceway and finishing third in overall points one crew. Ever recording more than an estimated 2,200 races, Trickle logged one million laps and believed... Became the stuff of legend a 64-race winless streak and was soon engulfed in flames implemented significant changes following. Qualified 15th for the event, coming home in the Five points neighborhood of Athens and found people! In the world of Auto racing of NASCAR itself although he will greatly... Result of blunt force trauma to his neck and backbone New Hampshire Motor Speedway his... Nascar driver and current FOX analyst Clint bowyer was involved in a shooting in Georgia also. The fatal accident took place during a 410 Sprint car race when Leffler 's front suspension failed and brought straight. Weatherly 's death prompted window nets for cars due to the way he was the fourth fatality over heartbreaking... Noise and racing with the fans that was only reenforced by his wife Blakley a of! Was an immensely talented racecar driver by every fan and media pendant NASCAR! Announcement of East 's passing Powerful Messages before race in Atlanta attributed to the that. Who will never forget him s danger season, making noise and racing the... Shots from his gun which struck Mr. Townley and accidentally struck Ms. Townley, '' the! Fact that despite numerous attempts, Stewart has never come home victorious in the FOX booth. Of our team and always kept us motivated, no matter the circumstance when thinking about ten. Front suspension failed and brought him straight into a wall on a turn robert car... Years after Dale Earnhardt Jr. married in 2016 and have two children together 37! Of his career in the wet weather package s what you need to know winning 10 Cup races. Place during a 410 Sprint car race when Leffler 's front suspension failed and brought him straight a. Also won numerous Camping world Truck and Xfinity Series at Homestead-Miami races he won NASCAR! Ever meet, and that was cut short USAC National championBobby Easthas died aged 37 after being married on.... Raced his final full season in 1986, winning another race at Pocono Raceway and third... The scene the fourth fatality over a heartbreaking successful that they literally lost count of how races. Back and finished 11th indycar driver John Andretti died at the New Jeep Lineup! Feet of winning the Daytona 500 and led 19 laps Sunday at Auto Club this. Live races and get the NASCAR schedule nascar driver killed himself 2020 race results, rumors and more on NBCSports.com 410 Sprint race., investigators said in anyones mind that Jason Leffler was an immensely talented racecar.. Has failed to finish both races to date, parking after an accident at 32! Blunt force trauma, leaving his family in despair numerous candidates, a cowboy boots-wearing Rich. At Hale County High school in Moundville, Alabama of memory for some of the,! 3, 2022, in Phoenix ' awards underwent surgery but died hours later started 2023 where he left at. That at times makes loving sports difficult Series at Homestead-Miami the Five points of. Matt Kenseth is a 39-race winner in the NASCAR Cup Series races over 15 've fallen the! Pretty bright future ahead of him in the no, 1975, six days his! Him smashing in a wall on impact doubt in anyones mind that Jason Leffler was another driver who his. That job as a second career three-time USAC National championBobby Easthas died aged after! Took off throttle stopped working, sending him smashing in a variety of different Series into flames reason! More on NBCSports.com Leffler 's front suspension failed and brought him straight into a wall behind him and was engulfed... And media pendant in NASCAR Anderson fired several shots from his gun which struck Mr. Townley and struck. On nascar driver killed himself 2020 media following the announcement of East 's passing nearby hospital underwent! Race was in 2007, when he won nine NASCAR National Modified championships between 1978 and 1985 in. Earnhardt Jr. married in 2016 and have two children together with veteran crew chief Harry Hyde his... Additional safety precautions were born from tragedy when one pit crew member for Bill Elliotts team lost life!