KANNAPOLIS, N.C., (June 17, 2013) – The following are statements from Stewart-Haas Racing drivers Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Danica Patrick regarding the passing of fellow racecar driver Jason Leffler. 

Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and four-time USAC champion:

“Jason Leffler was a great racer and an even better friend. We raced together a lot, and our career paths were very similar. He loved racing, especially open-wheel racing, and that’s a passion we both share. To not have him around to talk about whatever race one of us had just run, or were going to run, will be hard. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, especially his son, Charlie, who Jason loved more than anything.”

Ryan Newman, winner of 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races and the 1999 USAC Silver Crown championship:

“Jason and I raced hard together. We never crashed, or even rubbed wheels. We weren’t enemies, but we were never really friends, either. We were competitors. I respected him as much as he respected me. My prayers are for his family. He died doing what he loved. He was a real racer, and he will be missed.”

Danica Patrick, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and IZOD IndyCar Series race winner:

“I was very sad to hear of Jason’s passing. He was a good guy and a good racecar driver. He was a successful driver for a long time. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family and friends, especially his son, Charlie.”

-SHR-