American sprint racer and Indy 500 entrant Bryan Clauson has died at the age of 27 from injuries sustained in an accident during a midget race on Saturday night in Kansas.
Clauson was competing in the Belleville Nationls midget event as part of his ‘Circular Insanity’ 2016 schedule that saw him bid to take part in 200 races.
Clauson crashed into a fence while trying to lap a backmarker, sending his car into a series of rolls before coming to rest in the middle of the track. His car was then struck by another oncoming competitor.
In a press conference at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday morning, INDYCAR confirmed that Clauson had passed away the previous night as a result of his injuries.
“This is certainly a sad day for the racing community as a whole, and on behalf of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we send our deepest condolences to the family of Bryan Clauson,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“Anybody who witnessed Bryan behind the wheel of a race car can attest to his elite ability, relentlessness and unbridled willingness to race anything on wheels.
"While he’ll be remembered most as a legend of short-track racing, his participation in the Indianapolis 500 exemplifies his fearlessness, true versatility as a competitor and the pure depth of his talent as a driver.”
"Last night, the 7th of August, we said goodbye to our son, my fiancé, our friend, Bryan Clauson. He was surrounded by family and friends and we were grateful that we could experience his final moments with him,’’ a statement from Clauson's parents and his fiancee, Lauren, read.
“Our Bryan fought to the end with the same desire that he demonstrated behind the wheel of all the various race cars he would park in victory lane. However, we were more proud of our Bryan that took a moment to make a young fans day, or demonstrated his uncommon kindness and appreciation toward his friends, family and fans.
“We would like to thank everybody who has shown their concern toward us and kept us in their prayers. We will never be able to truly thank you. We would also like to thank the staff at Bryan Medical Center who stood and fought with our Bryan since he arrived here early yesterday morning.’’
Clauson raced in three Indy 500s, recording a best finish of 23rd in 2016 with Dale Coyne Racing, and previously took part in a handful of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events.
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