Greg Hodnett was killed in a crash Thursday night during a sprint car race at BAPS Motor Speedway, the World of Outlaws confirmed. Hodnett was 49.
The York County Coroner’s office stated that Hodnett lost control of his car in Turn 1, causing him to hit a wall at high speed. The cause of the crash is still being investigated. The coroner’s office said that Hodnett died on impact at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday.
“To me, Greg represented the true gentleman competitor in the pit area,” said World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter.
Hodnett was the 1993 Rookie of the Year in the World of Outlaws and went on to win 20 races. He won the feature on the opening night of the Knoxville Nationals last month and went on to finish 15th in the Knoxville Nationals later that week.
Many in NASCAR offered their condolences Thursday night.
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
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
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
Thoughts and 🙏 with the Greg Hodnet family, and the entire sprint car racing community tonight.
— Regan Smith (@ReganSmith) September 21, 2018
My condolences to the Hodnett family and Heffner crew with the loss of Greg. Certainly one of the best to ever wheel a sprint car. #RIPGH27 pic.twitter.com/oAeTUqIKEf
— 🇺🇸JJ YELEY🇺🇸 (@jjyeley1) 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
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
Heartbroken and in disbelief to read the news about Greg Hodnett prayers to all his family and fiends..you will be sorely missed at the track my friend RIP GH27
— . (@BradSweet49) September 21, 2018
My heart hurts so bad right now. My prayers are with Hodnett his family and the whole 27 team.
— RICO (@Rico_Abreu) September 21, 2018
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of sprint car driver Greg Hodnett and the Heffner Racing Team. The racing family will miss Greg's relentless passion and insight. #RIPHodhttps://t.co/EbyHHW3kz2 pic.twitter.com/udA2QeVmDa
— World of Outlaws (@WorldofOutlaws) September 21, 2018
Our hearts are full of sadness tonight with the passing of Greg Hodnett. A true professional who we looked forward to seeing every August. pic.twitter.com/5aawDSSnZw
— Knoxville Raceway (@knoxvilleraces) September 21, 2018
The entire Eldora community sends our condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of driver Greg Hodnett.
— ELDORA SPEEDWAY (@EldoraSpeedway) September 21, 2018
Our flags have been lowered and will fly at half-staff in Greg’s honor here this weekend.
Saddened to hear the news of one of the all time greats of sprint car racing. Over the years I’ve heard the name @GregHodnett come over the pa speakers so many times. RIP. Prayers to his family and friends...#wheelman
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) September 21, 2018