Fans stunned as NASCAR’s Jason Leffler dies in crash

Fans were shocked to learn that champion NASCAR driver Jason Leffler died Wednesday following a crash at a New Jersey event.

The two-time Nationwide Series winner was pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m., New Jersey State Police said.

"NASCAR extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening," NASCAR said in a statement.

"For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed."

Sgt. Adam Grossman told USA TODAY Sports that Leffler had to be extricated from his vehicle after hitting a wall around 8:30 p.m.

Eyewitness Chris Taitt, 40, told the newspaper that Leffler's car hit the wall twice and "then it was flopping all over."

Leffler was transported to a New Jersey hospital where he was pronounced dead.

"We are very saddened at the passing of Jason Leffler,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO J. Douglas Boles said in a statement.

"Jason was a terrific guy who always had time for everyone. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his entire family, team and fans."

Leffler, a native of Long Beach, Calif. who had his nickname "LefTurn" etched above the driver's side window on his race cars, leaves behind a 5-year-old son, Charlie.

Several of Leffler's fellow NASCAR drivers paid tribute to their colleague on Twitter.