Former Knoxville Nationals champion sprint car driver Jason Johnson has died from injuries suffered in a crash Saturday night in a World of Outlaws race at Beaver Dam (Wisconsin) Raceway).
Known as the “Ragin’ Cajun” for his aggressive style of racing, Johnson, 41, passed away this morning, according to an announcement by WoO. He was one of the most respected and well-liked drivers on the circuit by both fellow competitors and fans.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Johnson, a Eunice, Louisiana resident, was racing for the lead in the main event on the one-third-mile clay track with eventual race winner Daryn Pitman, when Johnson crashed on Lap 18 shortly after a restart.
Johnson’s car left the track surface in Turn 3 and flew through at least one billboard adjacent to the racetrack, according to media and witness reports.
It took rescue workers several minutes to extricate Johnson, who was taken by ambulance to a local hospital before being airlifted to Aurora Summit Hospital in Summit, Wisconsin, according to the Journal Sentinel report.
We are heartbroken and saddened to tell you that we have lost our leader, friend, family member and our hero. @WorldofOutlaws PR: https://t.co/Ou6BiyfYlZ
— Jason Johnson Racing (@JJR41Updates) June 24, 2018
With heavy hearts, we inform you of the passing of Jason Johnson. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Please send prayers and respect their privacy. https://t.co/VLxy5oUjvE
— World of Outlaws (@WorldofOutlaws) June 24, 2018
This is how we will always remember Knoxville Nationals champion Jason Johnson. He gave so many people so much joy and a race that will go down in history. #RaginCajun pic.twitter.com/64P9jkgZ1m
— Knoxville Raceway (@knoxvilleraces) June 24, 2018
How many will remember Johnson:
— Jason Johnson Racing (@JJR41Updates) June 24, 2018
Johnson, who won the 2016 Knoxville Nationals – the sport’s biggest race – in Iowa in storybook fashion, had been a primarily part-time racer on various sprint car circuits from 1998 until he went full-time on the Outlaws series, capturing Rookie of the Year honors in 2015.
MORE: Knoxville win should be big boost to Jason Johnson’s season, career
Johnson had 12 wins on the Outlaws circuit, including two victories this season.
The Journal Sentinel also posted a statement from SLS Promotions, which promoted Saturday’s race:
“Everyone at SLS Promotions offers our deepest, most sincere thoughts, prayers and condolences to Bobbi Johnson (Jason’s wife), Jaxx Johnson (the couple’s son) and the entire Johnson family and JJR Racing team.
“Jason was a great competitor and true ambassador for the sport. It was an honor and a privilege to work with him during his time on the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series trail. Jason will never be forgotten”
Other notables also commented on his death on social media:
Life isn’t fair sometimes... Praying for Bobbi, Jaxx, friends and family of @JasonJohnsonRac. RIP Jason!
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) June 24, 2018
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
Really saddened by the news this morning. I didn’t know @JasonJohnsonRac personally but only heard great things about him. His results showed he was an insanely good race car driver, but his legacy will be a great father and husband. Our thoughts and prayers to them today.
— Justin Allgaier (@J_Allgaier) June 24, 2018
Fell asleep last night scared about waking up to this. RIP driver. https://t.co/k56ix9QYFs
— Justin Marks (@JustinMarksTH) June 24, 2018
According to the Journal Sentinel, Johnson is the second driver in four years to die at the small track northwest of Milwaukee. In September 2014, Scott Semmelann, 47, was killed there while practicing for an Interstate Racing Association event.