Bryan Clauson dies after midget crash

Three-time Indianapolis 500 starter Bryan Clauson has died after an accident during a midget car race in Kansas on Saturday night.

The 27-year-old had just taken the lead in what was his 116th race start of the season when he was forced into the fence by a lapped car which sent him into a series of rolls. His stricken car was then struck by another competitor at high speed.

The former NASCAR racer had walked away from another major incident just one day before at the the dirt-track event and had taken to Twitter to thank Chassis manufacturer Spike and motorsport safety pioneers Simpson for keeping him safe in the incident.

Initial reports of the Californian's passing were dismissed on Sunday night, but his family confirmed the sad news in a statement released on Monday morning.

"Last night, the 7th of August, we said goodbye to our son, my fiancé, our friend, Bryan Clauson," Clauson's family said. "He was surrounded by family and friends and we were grateful that we could experience his final moments with him."

"Our Bryan fought to the end with the same desire that he demonstrated behind the wheel of all the various race cars he would park in victory lane," they added. "However, we were more proud of our Bryan that took a moment to make a young fans day, or demonstrated his uncommon kindness and appreciation toward his friends, family and fans."