INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 18: Bryan Clauson, driver of the #88 Dallara Honda, looks on during practice at the Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 18, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/NHL/Getty Images)
The late Bryan Clauson had a lot of close friends in the NASCAR community and was universally respected for his driving talent and his fan-friendly personality.
Clauson died Sunday night, just one day after he was involved in a hard crash in the Belleville (Kan.) Midget Nationals USAC midget race.
At the time of his death, Clauson was considered the nation's top short-track dirt-car driver. He has won four USAC national championships and was participating in his 116th race of the season on Saturday night.
And even in death, Clauson was a hero, donating his organs to five recipients.
Clauson's memory will be celebrated in Saturday's NASCAR XFINITY Series race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course this weekend. A special "BC" decal honoring Clauson will be placed on the A-Post of all cars in that race.
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