Remembering Jason and Charlie (#nascar)

As NASCAR Race Mom reviewed the Kansas Notes and Facts, fond memories of Jason Leffler sprung into her mind. You see, Jason Leffler won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Kansas Speedway in 2001 with a speed of 176.499 mph.

Has more than a year really passed since Leffler, affectionately known as "lefTurn," died after a crashing a sprint car on a dirt track in New Jersey?

Jason Leffler was only thirty-seven when he died on June 12, 2013 in a crash at Bridgeport Speedway, a five-eighths mile high-banked dirt track in Swedesboro, N.J.

A native of Long Beach, California, Leffler made 423 starts in NASCAR's three national series; and won two Nationwide races and one Truck Series event in a career that began in 1999. 

Jason Leffler left behind his young son, Charlie. In September of 2013 more than $62,000 had been raised for the Charlie Dean Leffler Educational Fund Grant.

Charlie Dean Leffler Education Fund

USAC Benevolent Foundation c/o Josh Laycock
7177 Golden Oak, Brownsburg, IN 46112.
joshlaycock@gmail.com

317-796-3289

Kudos to Stewart and Kahne - Job well done!

Jason "LefTurn" Leffler, who had been based in Huntersville, died in a wreck during a heat race at a dirt car event at Bridgeport Speedway. Originally from Long Beach, Calif., Leffler made 423 starts in NASCAR's three national series, and won two Nationwide races and one Truck Series event in a career that began in 1999.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne continue in their efforts to help support Jason Leffler’s young son, Charlie Dean.

They spearheaded the drive to encourage individuals to donated to the Charles Dean Leffler Discretionary Trust and/or entered to win the Jason Leffler Tribute Car that Kasey Kahne drove in the 2014 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals event. Stewart drove the same car in the Chili Bowl in 2012 and 2013. 

The promotion made a $50,000 that was donated the Charles Dean Leffler Discretionary Trust.

“Jason Leffler was a good buddy of mine and it’s neat that Bob East and Tony Stewart asked me to drive his tribute car in this year’s Chili Bowl,” Kahne said.

“This success wouldn't have been possible without your help, or that of those companies that partnered with the team to sponsor the No. 71 entry. A special thank you goes out to Great Clips, Ultra Wheel, John Christner Trucking and Beast Enterprises.” Steward recently emailed participants.

This is why NASCAR Race Mom loves NASCAR so much.  Just like any large dysfunctional family; we always manage to pull together when necessary. 

Kudos to Stewart and Kahne - Job well done!

 

Charlie Dean Leffler Online Auction

Leffler, 37, died on June 12 in a crash at Bridgeport Speedway,
a five-eighths mile high-banked dirt track in Swedesboro, N.J.

In memory of Jason Leffler, who tragically lost his life on June 12, The NASCAR Foundation is hosting an online auction to benefit Leffler’s five-year-old son, Charlie Dean, through The Charlie Dean Leffler Discretionary Trust. 

Items for the auction currently include an autographed Dale Jr. Firesuit, Ride in the Goodyear Blimp and NASCAR Hall of Fame package. All proceeds will benefit the trust. A native of Long Beach, Calif., Leffler, a two-time winner on the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been a fixture at NASCAR’s national level since 1999. 

Click to Place Your Bids Now! 

Jason Leffler with son, Charlie Dean

 

R.I.P - Race In Peace

Jason Leffler (September 16, 1975 – June 12, 2013)

Jason Leffler, affectionately known as "lefTurn," died June 12 after a crashing on a dirt track in New Jersey. On June 9, Leffler competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Pocono Raceway. Matthew O'Haren, USA TODAY Sports

LEFFLER PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY USAC BENEVOLENT FOUNDATION

 The USAC Benevolent Foundation has today announced a $10,000 grant in the memory of the late USAC racing champion Jason Leffler, who lost his life Wednesday night in a racing accident in New Jersey.

 The 501-3C-designated Foundation will also be accepting additional donations earmarked for usage by Jason's son Charlie Dean and Charlie's mother Allison.

A designated cap amount to be announced by the Board of Directors of the Foundation will also result in additional dollar-for-dollar matching funds for this purpose.

 "We are devastated by Jasons loss and recognize his long and loyal commitment to USAC racing and to the sport of auto racing in general," says USAC CEO/President Kevin Miller. "We encourage everyone to participate in this worthwhile endeavor as we honor the memory of one of our most cherished champions and appreciate the Foundation Board for their efforts in making this all possible."

All contributions earmarked for the Leffler program, which may include the Charlie Dean Leffler Education Fund, may be directed to the USAC Benevolent Foundation, c/o Executive Director Bill Marvel, 4910 W. 16th Street Speedway, Speedway, Ind. 46224. Bill may be reached at 859-749-0646 or at billmarvel@gmail.com . Donations should be earmarked for this program.