By Brian Liskai
FREMONT, Ohio – Following the tragic death of racer Jason Leffler earlier this week, many race fans have expressed a desire to help his family – particularly his five-year-old son, Charlie.
Fremont Speedway is organizing all the tracks that are hosting races during the 31st Annual Ohio Sprint Speedweek coming up at the end of the month, to collect funds for Leffler’s family.
“We wanted to show Jason’s family…his son, that racing is a great sport filled with caring, wonderful people. We know all of the fans and all of the tracks will embrace Jason’s family and will be very generous with their support,” said Fremont Speedway Promoter Rich Farmer.
Leffler, a versatile driver who won championships in USAC and competed in each of NASCAR’s three national series, died Wednesday night after a crash in a 410 sprint car at a track in New Jersey. The Long Beach, California native was affectionately known as “LEFturn” and had the nickname stenciled above his driver’s side window.
Farmer said there are still details to be ironed out, but so far all of the tracks involved in Speedweek are on board with having drivers go through the stands seeking donations for Leffler’s family. Also, beginning this weekend, racer Craig Mintz and his dad, Les, through their business Design Graphics Group, have donated stickers in Jason’s memory that will be sold at various tracks.
Ohio Sprint Speedweek, which features the University of Northwestern Ohio All Star Circuit of Champions, kicks off Friday, June 21 at Attica Raceway Park then travels to Tony Stewart’s Eldora Speedway on Saturday, June 22 and Waynesfield Raceway Park near Lima on Sunday, June 23. From there the series heads to the NAPA Wayne County Speedway near Orville, Ohio on Monday, June 24 and then to Sharon Speedway near Hartford, Ohio on Tuesday, June 25. After an off day on Wednesday, Speedweek stops at Fremont Speedway on Thursday, June 27 followed by Limaland Motorsports Park on Friday, June 28 and a big finale at Fremont Speedway on Saturday, June 29.
For more information go to www.allstarsprint.com