Jason was killed driving in a non-sanctioned race in what is called a “410 sprint car” which for those of us who don’t, or didn’t know, is one of the winged miracles that weighs about 1300 pounds and pushes 900 horsepower. These cars are not known for safety, particularly, and, in fact, three drivers across the country were killed just last month racing those cars on dirt tracks. One of those drivers was killed at Bloomington Speedway in Indiana, and two others were killed in a race in Nevada. Remember, in March, two people were killed when a sprint car flew off the track onto pit road, killing two people on pit road.
Jason was killed in an accident involving just his car. Witnesses seem to suspect a part failure that put the car into the wall in turn four at an approximate speed of 135 mph on the .625 mile high-banked dirt track. Further descriptions of the wrecked vehicle would only whet the appetite for those folks disposed to enjoyment of the tragedy so I won’t indulge those individuals.
Tony Stewart and Jason were good friends and, like Tony, Jason would race anything anywhere. Tony called Jason a “good driver but better friend”. While researching for this Legendtorial, I came across a post regarding Parnelli Jones serving as a mentor to Jason for most of Jason’s career. The post stated that Parnelli was devastated by the loss of Jason.
I think one of the most impressive facts gleaned from preparation of this Legendtorial is the deep and sincere respect most every member of the motorsports nation has for Jason Leffler. Oh sure, when any driver is killed, folks have good things to say, usually, like the song I hear on the radio often that includes the line “funny how when you’re dead people seem to listen”, but with Jason Leffler it is more than that. Driver after driver, crewman after crewman, official after official all had positive things to say about the 37 year old taken from the racing family at such a young age. That speaks very highly of anyone with that kind of respect. The comment was made over and over by several different folks, maybe with different words, but the same intent, that “all Jason wanted to do was race” and he pursued that dream with all the energy within him.
As I stated at the beginning of tonight’s offering, I don’t recall ever meeting Jason Leffler. I was inclined to allow his passing with only the comments I made on social media sites as to my prayers and thoughts being with the friends and family, which indeed they are. But, thinking back over the past year at the number of racers and their family members that have passed, some well into their years, I felt a need to put some thoughts out for consideration.
First up, and I think we have addressed this before, why do drivers buckle into missiles on wheels to compete against each other. Frankly, I believe the actual reasons are as diverse as each driver. I know the reason I raced, which I have always kept private and always will, I guess, but, believe me, while the thought that I could be killed dwelled somewhere within my mind, it was not a dominating influence. While I do believe there are those who get a thrill by “cheating death” I tend to think of those folks more as skydivers or mountain climbers.
Every time I climbed through the window of my race car and buckled up, I believed myself to be safer than driving anywhere on the highway. I felt confident in my equipment and the ability of the other drivers on the track as well as my own. That was back in 1969 through 1973. When I look back now at what we called “safety equipment” I know how foolish that was. I had two very severe crashes in the five years I raced, totaling both cars, but other than banging up my knees and separating a shoulder, I was never really injured. Think about the awful crashes that most of you have seen on television and many of you right before your eyes on NASCAR tracks or some local track you may attend. Even in the most severe crashes, you expect the driver to bounce out and wave to the crowd. I remember watching that black number 3 Chevy hit the wall on the last lap of the Daytona 500 in 2001, and never even imagined that Dale would have been injured, much less lost to us.
I thought long and hard before reaching a decision to broach this subject tonight. Surely there is nothing more I could say about Jason Leffler that would enhance his life than what has already been said. That was never my intention. It is also not my intention to explain what drives a man to become a race driver. I only want to express my deep sense of loss for the man I never met. Jason was, and will always be, a member of the family of racers and race fans. We have long held the belief that this family is indeed bound together by a deep love of the sport in spite of our often diverse opinions of drivers and/or car makes or the current opinions of the actions of NASCAR. It’s sort of like the constant political arguments our country experiences but when something like 9/11 happens, everyone joins in a chorus of “God Bless America”.
I also think of all the other “Jasons” out there today trying to make it in racing. Some may, most will not, but to each and every one of them I hold the hope that they will live a long and joyful life. Too many a young life is cut short these days for a multiplicity of reasons unfathomable to me at times. Jason, at 37, had lived what must be surely measured as a life of success judging from the respect of his peers, which, in the overall scheme of things, is a truer measure of success than the number of races won or lost.
The real reason that kept pressing me to write this, is the hope that one day the now five year old son, Charlie Dean, may discover my words on an internet search about his father. While I am not scholar with such things, I do want to offer this to Charlie Dean:
Charlie, surely by the time you discover this writing, if ever you do, you will already have read tons of complimentary remarks about your amazing father. You will have read what other drivers had to say about your Dad’s racing, about his dedication to the sport and about his deep and sincere love for you. You will hear how your Dad celebrated every day of his life. Your father had many friends because he knew how to BE a friend and was a friend to all who met him. While much of the world is a cynical place, your Dad would find the happy place to spend happy times with you. Oh, I’ve heard the stories of his deep love for you. Your Dad had his heroes in racing and, most likely as you grow older, you will too. It is my guess that your Dad will surely be your hero as he should be. But know, also, that you will be his hero and he watches you grow.
I have heard that your father had a way of bringing a feeling of ease to everyone he met. He knew how to make people feel “special” but part of the reason he did that so successfully is that he was so special. He was the man who treated everyone with respect and it was given back to him tenfold.
Your Dad, Jason Leffler, touched the lives of so many people. I would venture to say that each life touched is better for that encounter. Your Dad shared his life with anyone needing a friend. Your Dad was kind to all he met. Your Dad blessed each life he met just by being Jason Leffler, old “Lefturn”.
No, this was not intended to be a Eulogy for Jason Leffler, but rather a way for all of us to find a common thread of thought as to this tragedy. We are powerless to know the reasons why such a thing would happen and it is not for us to question. I do think, however, it is for us remember Jason Leffler as one who did not reach the NASCAR status of Dale Earnhardt, but, in the overall scheme of life, he was, and continues to be just as important. To one little five year old, Jason was the most important man on earth. We all need to remember that every person passing leaves a memory and a legacy. It appears Jason’s legacy will be one of which a son can be very proud.
I join many others praying for peace and God’s blessing to Charlie Dean and all friends and family of Jason Leffler.
If you’ve enjoyed your visit so far, we invite you to check out the Stock Car RacersReunion site by clicking here. By simply creating a log-in you will have access to over 100,000 vintage racing photos and thousands of articles, stories and conversations, some with legendary participants whose names you will recognize. As part of our racing family, you are free to enjoy the Chat Room and all Forums will be open for discussing your passion for racing with others of like mind. RacersReunion truly is where legends and fans unite.
