"This is one of the darkest days in the 60-year history of USAC."
That comment from USAC president Kevin Miller best sums up the feeling among the American motorsport community following the death of champion midget racer Bryan Clauson.
Clauson, a four-time USAC national champion, was trying to retain his crown at the Belleville Nationals in Kansas on Saturday night when he flipped and was hit by another car. He was hospitalised in a critical condition.
He passed away surrounded by family earlier today.
The 27-year-old was at his best on dirt tracks, but he'd also raced 26 times in NASCAR and finished 23rd in this year's Indy 500.
New Zealand fans saw his winning form at Western Springs, where he was a regular visitor. In the 2014/15 International Midget Car Series he was unbeaten.
Clauson had set a goal of competing in 200 races this year - including the Indy 500 - and Saturday evening's race was his 116th.
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