Racing community mourns Clauson

Bryan Clauson's prolific racing career took him all across the racing spectrum, and on Monday that broad canvas grew closer together as the racing community mourned the loss of a true racer.

• Bryan Clauson: 1989-2016

• MILLER: Remembering Bryan Clauson

Clauson, who died Sunday from injuries suffered in Saturday night's Belleville Nationals, is survived by his parents, Tim and Diana, sister Taylor and fiancée Lauren Stewart – and their dogs Chevy and Stewart. Chevy, who is renowned in racing for her own Twitter feed, posted a tribute.

Tony Stewart, for whom Clauson drove for in USAC – and who was the fond inspiration for the name of the Clausons' second dog – called it "a very sad day."

"Checkered flag on a life well lived," Clauson's sponsor, Jonathan Byrd's Racing, said in a tweet. "Thank you BC. Godspeed our friend."

From Clauson's 2016 Indianapolis 500 teammate and fellow Noblesville native Conor Daly:

Both Clauson and Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing teammate Josef Newgarden ran their first Indy 500s together in 2012.

From friend Rico Abreu:

USAC Racing posted a moving tribute video:

An icon. A legend. A remarkable person on and off the racetrack. Bryan Clauson truly lived the dream.https://t.co/E9QXkZRUfj— USAC Racing (@USACNation)August 8, 2016

Bryan Clauson’s talent, enthusiasm and competitors heart made him a true champion. His character, joyful spirit and kindness are an inspiration to all of us in the racing community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryan and his family. PC: @indianapolismotorspeedwayA photo posted by Bell Helmets (@bellracingusa) on Aug 8, 2016 at 9:19am PDT

Chip Ganassi Racing, which signed Clauson as a driver development program in 2006, was his home as he began racing stock cars, winning at the ARCA race at Gateway in 2007 in addition to the pole at Talladega. He made 21 starts in NASCAR's Nationwide series in 2008 and won the pole at Daytona, but his ride evaporated before the '09 campaign began.

Clauson's 112 total wins put him No. 5 on the overall USAC ladder.

"This is one of the darkest days in the 60-year history of USAC," USAC president Kevin Miller said in a statement. "Not only was Bryan on pace to be USAC's all-time winningest driver, he was a great ambassador to the sport. Our thoughts and prayers arewith his family and fiancée."

“Short-track racing has always been the heart and soul of auto racing in America,” Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president, said in a statement. “Bryan Clauson combined his passion and enthusiasm for grassroots racing with a God-given talent that made him the favorite to win every time he got in a midget or sprint car. And he proved on the world's largest racing stage – by leading three laps in the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 – that he could use that talent in just about anything with wheels.

“More importantly, he possessed a humility and character out of the race car that made him a person that fellow competitors and fans alike enjoyed being around,” Boles added. “His spirit, his positive outlook and his thrilling talent will be missed by the entire racing community. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are with the Clauson family in this difficult time.”

“This is certainly a sad day for the racing community as a whole, and on behalf of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we send our deepest condolences to the family of Bryan Clauson,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Anybody who witnessed Bryan behind the wheel of a race car can attest to his elite ability, relentlessness and unbridled willingness to race anything on wheels. While he’ll be remembered most as a legend of short-track racing, his participation in the Indianapolis 500 exemplifies his fearlessness, true versatility as a competitor and the pure depth of his talent as a driver.”

“NASCAR extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bryan Clauson, a passionate competitor whose love for racing fueled his unmatched positive spirit," NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer Steve O'Donnell said in a statement. "He was a dear friend to many in the racing community, and he was loved and respected by all who knew him. He touched the lives of so many in our motorsports family, and his warm presence and relentless enthusiasm will be missed.”