YORK HAVEN, Pa. (AP) -- Sprint Car driver Greg Hodnett died after a crash Thursday night at BAPS Motor Speedway.
The 49-year-old Hodnett, from Spring Grove, Pa., was the World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year in 1993 and went on to win 20 World of Outlaws races. He won the opening night this year at the Knoxville Nationals.
“Greg represented the true gentleman competitor in the pit area,” World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter said.
A statement was posted on Hodnett’s racing website, saying: “Please keep (wife) Sherry, the entire Hodnett family, and the Heffner racing team in your thoughts and prayers.
“Greg was a professional in every sense of the word, and will be desperately missed!”
Several NASCAR drivers took to Twitter to express their condolences:
Thoughts and prayers go out to Greg Hodnett, his family and friends. I’ve always felt Greg was one of the best to ever strap into a sprint car and accomplish the things he has across the country. Feel honored to have had some great battles with him over the last few years! RIP
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) September 21, 2018
We all know the risks & rewards this sport presents, but the shocking, sudden loss that racing can bring is always a harsh reminder that neither today or tomorrow is promised. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of Greg Hodnett & Heffner Racing.
— Tony Stewart Racing (@TonyStewart_Rcg) September 21, 2018
Godspeed, Greg 🏁 pic.twitter.com/93cZ8pUku6
growing up listening to stories of dad and hodnett battling at riverside speedway and then getting to know him and race with him, its a very sad night for the racing community. thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and fans!!
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) September 21, 2018
My heart hurts hearing the news of Greg Hodnett. Please send thoughts and prayers to him, his family and friends.
— Matt DiBenedetto (@mattdracing) September 21, 2018
Don’t even know what to say... The dirt community is a tight knit one and just because you don’t know the people affected personally you feel like you do. We as a community have to do something, we can’t keep letting this happen. God Speed and Rest In Peace Greg Hodnett.
— Chase Briscoe (@ChaseBriscoe_14) September 21, 2018