Jason Johnson, Sprint Car Series Driver, Dies In Horrific Crash

BEAVER DAM, WI — Jason Johnson, a Sprint Car Series driver, has died following a horrifying crash at Beaver Dam Raceway in Wisconsin in which his car reportedly flipped out of the track and smashed through a billboard. The crash happened Saturday night at the oval track, located about 55 miles northwest of Milwaukee.

Johnson, a 41-year-old World of Outlaws driver from Eunice, Louisiana, was racing for the lead on lap 18 with Daryn Pitman following a restart when Johnson's car flipped and was sent through billboards, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported, citing witnesses and a live webcast.

Shari Prag, of West Bend, was in the stands when Johnson's car flipped. The crowd got real quiet.

"I think the entire county went silent," Prag told Patch in a Facebook message.

Everyone got on their feet, desperately trying to see where he went over the wall.

"Lots of gasps and 'Oh nos' where heard," she said.

Johnson was rushed to a hospital. His death was announced Sunday morning.

"With heavy hearts, we inform you of the passing of Jason Johnson," World of Outlaws tweeted. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Please send prayers and respect their privacy.

Jason Johnson Racing confirmed his death and said in a statement that Johnson raced each night with the same "courage, passion and vigor." He fought valiantly to the end, the group said.

"We are heartbroken and saddened to tell you that we have lost our leader, friend, family member and our hero," Jason Johnson Racing tweeted.‏

pic.twitter.com/fNZ93913g8
— Jason Johnson Racing (@JJR41Updates) June 24, 2018

Johnson gained national fame two years ago when he won the Knoxville Nationals in Iowa.

"Today we say goodbye to our champion, Jason Johnson," tweeted out Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series. "May God be with the entire Johnson family in this time of loss. Rest in Peace dear friend until we see you again."

Photos credit: Shari Prag, used with permission