Tragedy has struck the United States Auto Club. Former NASCAR driver Bobby East passed away at the age of 37. According to reports, he was stabbed to death at a California gas station. It is believed that the attack occurred on Wednesday. Apparently, the 2004 USAC National Midget Series Champion was fueling his vehicle at the time of the incident.
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Of course, a few tributes came in from the NASCAR community. Chief among them was a truly shocked NASCAR driver, Todd Bodine.
Very sad to hear of the tragic incident involving Legend USAC driver Bobby East. He was one heck of a wheelman. Thoughts and prayers to his family
— Todd Bodine (Official) (@Team_Onion) July 16, 2022
Bobby East had 42 starts combined in the Xfinity and truck series. Shocking and sad to read about his stabbing. RIP. https://t.co/UGHbHlpJg4
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 15, 2022
Tragic news: Three-time USAC champion Bobby East had died. Please keep the East family in your thoughts. https://t.co/zzEWrtnVaS
— SPEED SPORT (@SPEEDSPORT) July 15, 2022
It was a tragic day for US motorsports, as East was still young. One thing is for sure, the American motorsport community will sorely miss the driver.
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During his National Midget Series tenure, he became the champion while racing for the #9 Steve Lewis Racing team. His 2004 title also meant that he was the youngest ever USAC champion at the age of 19.
Who is the late Bobby East and what is his NASCAR connection?
The ex-NASCAR driver was born in December 1984 in Torrance, California. His father’s influence exposed him to the American motorsport industry at an early age. In his day, Bob East Sr was a USAC Hall of Fame car builder. With this, it was only natural for East Jr. to want to make a career in racing.
Hearing about the death of Bobby East. Prayers to an amazing racing family. 🙏🏻
— Matthew Dillner (@MatthewDillner) July 16, 2022
Damn… RIP Bobby East. Sad, sad news. https://t.co/Na9ngefwfT
— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) July 15, 2022
Since then, the 37-year-old competed in the USAC, ARCA, NASCAR Xfinity, and Truck arenas. In his NASCAR Xfinity Series career, his best finish was 12th at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2007. Meanwhile, he scored two 8th place finishes at Texas and Memphis during the 2008 Truck season for Roush Fenway Racing.
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