OVER 800 WERE AT JASON LEFFLERS FUNERAL
Stock Car Racing History
Although there was no casket visible at the funeral there was one Notable person there---- Mike Helton. team owner Chip Ganassi, and Joe Gibbs Racing President J.D. Gibbs. Other Sprint Cup drivers at the service included Denny Hamlin, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and David Stremme.
Stenhouse Jr. and Kahne were close to Leffler from their days in sprint car racing, and Kahne had Dale Earnhardt Jr . fill in for him at Thursday's testing in Atlanta so he could attend the funeral.
Also present were Nationwide drivers Reed Sorenson, Mike Bliss, Kyle Larson, Michael Annett, Steve Wallace, Landon Cassill and Josh Wise, as well as Shane Hmiel, a former NASCAR driver who was paralyzed in a sprint car accident.
As Dickerson spoke, photos of Leffler and his son at the race track flashed on two large projection screens.
The front of the church's sanctuary was lined with flowers from well-wishers, along with photos and mementos from Leffler's career, including his racing gloves and some helmets still covered with dirt and debris.
None of the drivers or NASCAR officials spoke during the service, but a Spires Sports representative highlighted the need to look after Charlie.
"On behalf of everyone that loved Jason, and his family, we thank everybody for coming out with their support today," Jessica Schaak said. "We just ask that everyone keep Charlie in their prayers."
A memorial fund has been set up for Charlie, whom friends said changed Leffler for the better.
IN MEMORIAM
We remember those who have died in the sports world in 2013."I saw his transformation from Jason the driver to Jason the dad," said Todd Braun, former owner of Braun Racing, one of Leffler's former teams . "I never saw more of a transformation of a person than I saw in Jason."
updated by @johnny-mallonee: 12/16/16 07:54:33AM
