Jason Johnson, 41, dies after crashing in race

SONOMA, Calif. — NASCAR drivers, preparing to compete Sunday at Sonoma Raceway, mourned World of Outlaws sprint car driver Jason Johnson, who died Sunday morning from injuries suffered in a crash at Beaver Dam (Wisconsin) Raceway. He was 41.

Johnson was battling Kasey Kahne Racing’s Daryn Pittman for the lead on Lap 18 on Saturday when Johnson’s car flipped violently heading into Turn 3, hitting billboards (there was no catch fence in that area) and possibly the wall before landing outside the dirt track.

Life isn’t fair sometimes… Praying for Bobbi, Jaxx, friends and family of @JasonJohnsonRac. RIP Jason!

— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) June 24, 2018

“With the same courage, passion and vigor that he raced with each night, he fought valiantly to the end,” Jason Johnson Racing said in a statement. “His love of life and sprint car racing was only surpassed by his deep and authentic love for his family, friends, competitors and fans.

“He never met a stranger, and certainly never met anyone that he was not willing to help or provide guidance. It is that giving and caring spirit that we will all forever miss.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jason Johnson’s friends and family. He was a fierce competitor for @WorldofOutlaws and a great family man. 🙏🏼

— Kasey Kahne Racing (@KKRdirt) June 24, 2018

Johnson won five championships in the ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series, a series that mostly competes in the plains, southwest and western parts of the country, as well as the prestigious 2016 Knoxville Nationals. Known as the “Ragin’ Cajun,” the Louisiana native had two World of Outlaws wins this year.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Johnson partnered to form Stenhouse Johnson Racing in 2012, and Johnson rattled off three consecutive ASCS titles.

Won some races, and championships together. Jason was a great leader for his team and strong man for his family. He went about things his own way and was really fun to watch. Still praying for Bobbi Jaxx Phillip and the rest of the family. Racing is their life. RIP Jason!! pic.twitter.com/6tGfFKcDf1

— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) June 24, 2018

Several NASCAR drivers compete occasionally in the World of Outlaws. Stenhouse, Kyle Larson and Kasey Kahne have competed in the series this year.