Mechanical failure cited in Jason Leffler fatal crash

NASCAR driver Jason Leffler crashed into a wall last week at the Bridgeport Speedway in Swedesboro after his steering wheel locked because of a mechanical failure, New Jersey state police said Friday.

Leffler, 37, of Long Beach, Calif., died at Crozer-Chester Medical Center around 9 p.m. June 12, about a half-hour after the crash. The Delaware County medical examiner determined he died from blunt-force neck injury.

A 12-year NASCAR veteran, Leffler was competing for a $7,000 prize in a Sprint Car heat race. He was in second position finishing his fifth lap when a torsion bar on the chassis of his 2013 Maxim became lodged between the inboard flange of the right front wheel and the right steering arm, police said.

As a result, the front suspension failed and the steering wheel locked. Leffler lost control of the car, which turned 180 degrees and struck the outside concrete hub rail and flipped.

Vehicles averaged speeds of 135 m.p.h during the race, which was postponed after the crash.

State police have yet to release their full report.

Leffler made his name in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, which he joined in 2000. He won two Nationwide races and one Truck Series event in 423 career starts in NASCAR's three series.