The family and fiancée of driver Bryan Clauson announced Monday that they said “goodbye to our son, my fiancé, our friend, Bryan Clauson’’ on Sunday.
Clauson was 27.
He died from injuries suffered in a crash while leading the Belleville Midget Nationals on Saturday night.
The Indiana native sought to run 200 races this season. He finished 23rd in the Indianapolis 500 and won a 30-lap sprint car race later that night in Kokomo, Indiana. He ran in what is now the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2007-08 as a development driver for Chip Ganassi Racing.
“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,’’ the family said in a statement. “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.’’
Reaction to Clauson’s passing crossed many forms of motorsports Monday.
It's a very sad day today losing @BryanClauson. Just remember God is in control and has a plan for all of us. Bryan was a great driver/guy!
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) August 8, 2016
So many Memories we made that I will never forget. We had plans of making so many more together. #ripBC pic.twitter.com/im3OEvMOmJ
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) August 8, 2016
#RIPBC pic.twitter.com/pJH943kotl
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) August 8, 2016
— Josh Wise (@Josh_Wise) August 8, 2016
Everyone leaving flowers at Bryan's Hauler here at Knoxville pic.twitter.com/hHbPbEAONh
— DB3 INC (@DB3Inc) August 8, 2016
Honoured to have had the chance to race against @BryanClauson. Gutted I won't get to again. Thinking of Lauren and his family.
— James Hinchcliffe (@Hinchtown) August 8, 2016
Very sad news. Thoughts and prayers to Bryan's family. https://t.co/9PJeDxcDAa
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) August 8, 2016
No words to describe how sad the racing community is this morning. RIP @BryanClauson
— Tony Kanaan (@TonyKanaan) August 8, 2016
Bryan Clauson was as good as they get behind the wheel and one of the nicest, happiest guys around. Always smiling and enjoying life... #bc
— Kasey Kahne (@kaseykahne) August 8, 2016
Very sad. Thoughts and prayers with Bryan's family and friends. #RIPBryanClauson https://t.co/bzNjfnpW6J
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 8, 2016
His commitment to open wheel racing has been setting a new standard for this generation of drivers, and he underwrote it with pure talent.
— landon cassill (@landoncassill) August 8, 2016
Thoughts and prayers with the Clauson family. I always admired @BryanClauson love for racing. His determination will never be forgotten.
— Austin Dillon (@austindillon3) August 8, 2016
I'm really at a loss for words this morning. Im just sick hearing the news about @BryanClauson. Thoughts and prayers to his family #ripchamp
— Justin Allgaier (@J_Allgaier) August 8, 2016
Sad to see the news of @BryanClauson the racing community just lost another great one. #RIPBC
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) August 8, 2016
Bryan Clauson was a true competitor and will be missed. Our thoughts are with the Clauson family, Lauren and our entire racing community.
— Andretti Autosport (@FollowAndretti) August 8, 2016
Our hearts are heavy with the news of @BryanClauson's passing. Godspeed to him, and our thoughts & prayers are with his family.
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) August 8, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Bryan Clauson's family and friends.
— Regan Smith (@ReganSmith) August 8, 2016
So sad to hear the passing of @BryanClauson after his accident. A true racer who will be sorely missed. Thought go to his friends & family.
— M A X Chilton (@maxchilton) August 8, 2016
Heartbreaking to learn that Bryan Clauson has passed away. Praying for peace and comfort for his family and friends. #racingfamily
— DeLana Harvick (@DeLanaHarvick) August 8, 2016
Godspeed, Bryan Clauson
— USAC Racing (@USACNation) August 8, 2016
June 15, 1989 - August 7, 2016https://t.co/Ese6iWrgxR pic.twitter.com/wGnuAWQgaK
Please pray for Lauren and all of @bryanclauson family. BC, we will be honoring you by doing what we love today. pic.twitter.com/IqKsKqMEIE
— Ed Carpenter (@edcarpenter20) August 8, 2016
A true racer, great kid and proud he was part of @CGRnascar #RIP @BryanClauson https://t.co/MLdEuxeWTQ
— Steve Lauletta (@slauletta) August 8, 2016
Awful news to hear about the passing of a true racer @BryanClauson God speed my friend.
— Cole Whitt (@ColeWhitt) August 8, 2016
We are saddened by the passing of @BryanClauson. On June 21 at Sharon he captured his 1st career @ASCoC win. RIP pic.twitter.com/2atem97u2y
— Sharon Speedway (@SharonSpdwy) August 8, 2016
No words...RIP Bryan...@BryanClauson pic.twitter.com/Ab40YMWJxf
— Mikhail Aleshin (@mikhailaleshin) August 8, 2016
Everyone at Roush Yates Engines sends condolences to the family of @BryanClauson. 🏁 You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/nLOmR46h92
— Roush Yates Engines (@roushyates) August 8, 2016
