Ashlea Albertson, a TQ Midget driver for Tony Stewart Racing, was killed in a car crash in Indiana on Friday. The crash is being investigated as a road rage incident.
According to a report from Autoweek citing the Indiana State Police, Albertson was riding as a passenger in a GMC Terrain on Indiana's I-65 at the time of the crash. A Chevrolet Malibu pulled up alongside the Terrain, with neither driver letting the other pass as both accelerated. The Malibu then apparently entered the Terrain's lane, causing the Terrain to lose control. Albertson was then ejected from the car as it rolled over.
Albertson was flown to the University of Louisville Hospital, where she later died. The two drivers, plus one passenger in the Malibu, were treated for injuries deemed non-life-threatening. Both drivers have reportedly been given blood tests, with toxicology reports still pending.
In a statement, team owner and NASCAR legend Tony Stewart said "Today, I lost a teammate. [Ashlea] had an infectious personality and could light up any room. She was a great race car driver that was involved in a road rage accident and lost her life. In the past, I’ve also gotten caught up in road rage. I hope that we can honor Ashlea by controlling what we can control on the highway. Losing her is a sobering reminder of how precious life is. Please join me in keeping her family and friends in your prayers."
