Bryan Clauson lives on through organ donation

BELLEVILLE, Kan. (WISH/AP) – Bryan Clauson’s memory will now live on through organ donation after he died on Sunday night after the Saturday Belleville (Kansas) Midget Nationals USAC midget race.

The Bryan Clauson Racing team confirmed that Clauson was an organ donor and some of his organs would be donated to those in need. In a statement they said in part, “One of the gifts that Bryan gave us while we sat next to him praying for some good news, was the moment we found out that he was an organ donor.”

Clauson was leading the race Saturday night when he crashed passing lapped traffic. His car rolled and was hit by another competitor. He was airlifted to a hospital in Nebraska, and died surrounded by his family.

His family said they were not surprised that Clauson was an organ donor.

“The gift of life is the most amazing gesture and Bryan will live on not only though us and all the people he touched along the way, but from the lucky individuals that will benefit from Bryan making the decision to be a donor,” the racing team’s statement said.

Clauson was a resident of Noblesville, Indiana. He had four U.S. Auto Club national championships, two in sprint cars and two in midgets. He also won in events like: Chili Bowl, Turkey Night Grand Prix and Belleville Nationals.

He was also a four-time USAC national champion, Clauson was aiming to become the winningest driver in series history.

He was a development driver for Chip Ganassi in NASCAR, where he competed in 26 races over the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He also spent several seasons driving for Tony Stewart’s sprint car team.

Clauson was 27 when he passed.