Statement On The Passing Of NASCAR Official Steve Lawson

Steve Lawson, 51, a NASCAR official for more than 10 years, passed away Sunday morning in Martinsville, Va. Lawson was in town working the NASCAR events at Martinsville Speedway. Lawson, a native of Rockford, Ill., worked as a safety inspector in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. NASCAR made the following statement regarding Lawson's death:

"The entire NASCAR family is saddened by the loss of one of its own – Steve Lawson. He provided outstanding service to our sport. And, while our officials are certainly keeping Steve's family and friends in their thoughts and prayers, they are preparing to officiate today's race with the quality and efficient manner that Steve would want them to."