Bryan Clauson died Sunday from injuries sustained during a United States Auto Club midget crash.
According to USA Today, the 27-year-old driver was in the lead before his car climbed a guard rail between turn 3 and 4 that caused his car to flip over several times. Another car, driven by Ryan Greth, was unable to avoid Clauson’s car and collided with it as well.
“This is truly one of the darkest days in the 60-year history of the United States Auto Club,” Kevin Miller, USAC CEO, told USA Today. “Not only have we lost one of our greatest USAC champions, we’ve lost a true ambassador for all of motor sports.”
Clauson was an experienced race car driver. He was a three-time USAC National Champion and won two USAC National Sprint Car titles. He also drove in the Indianapolis 500 in 2012, 2015 and 2016.
According to ABC News, the 27-year-old was attempting to compete in 200 events during this year’s season.
“Last night, the 7th of August, we said goodbye to our son, my fiancé, our friend, Bryan Clauson,” his family said in a statement. “He was surrounded by family and friends and we were grateful that we could experience his final moments with him.
The race car driver was engaged to Lauren Stewart. Their wedding was planned for February 2017.