Michigan speedway to honor Leffler at weekend races

6/13/2013
BLADE STAFF
Jason Leffler
Jason Leffler

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- A Michigan International Speedway spokesman said today that the track will hold a moment of silence for Jason Leffler prior to the two NASCAR races this weekend at the Michigan superspeedway.

Leffner, who drove on the NASCAR circuit from 2000 to 2011, was killed Wednesday after his sprint car crashed during a race at Bridgeport Speedway in Swedesboro, N.J.

The New Jersey State Police said Wednesday night that Leffler, 37, died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. Leffler was not entered in either the Sprint Cup, Nationwide or ARCA races scheduled for this weekend at MIS but drove in the Sprint Cup Pure Michigan 400 in August. He completed 14 laps before leaving the race because of mechanical issues.

NASCAR teams and drivers also plan to commemorate Leffler this weekend at MIS; Nationwide drivers will have a decal on their cars in honor of Leffler.

MIS will host the ARCA Patriot Pumps 200 on Friday, the Nationwide Alliance Auto Parts 250 on Saturday and the Sprint Cup Quicken Loans 400 on Sunday.