Former NASCAR driver and Le Mans winner dies at 58 | Sports News

It has been introduced that former NASCAR driver John Graham, who gained the Le Mans 24-hour race back in 2000, has sadly handed away.

The 56-year-old drove in NASCAR’s Xfinity and ARCA collection, along with his final look in NASCAR coming back in 2017 whereas driving for Mike Harmon Racing within the former collection at Richmond Raceway.

However, it has sadly been introduced Graham, a Canadian Motorsport Hall of Famer, has handed away. Posting on Instagram, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park issued a heartfelt tribute to Graham.

“All of us at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are deeply saddened to learn that Canadian racer John Graham has passed away,” started the post, which included photos of Graham from his racing profession.

“Inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2021, John first made a name for himself at CTMP (then Mosport) at the 1982 Labatt Blue Can-Am, when he entered the race with backing from Canadian music icon Gordon Lightfoot. John competed primarily in sports cars, but also drove in British Formula 2, Indy Lights, Stock Car, Firestone Firehawk Endurance, Players/GM, Porsche Turbo Cup, the American Indy Car Series (AIS), and the gruelling Paris-Dakar Rally.

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It continued: “Perhaps John’s biggest success got here in 2000. In one of the most important moments in Canadian sports activities car racing historical past, he, together with fellow countrymen Scott Maxwell and Greg Wilkins, drove the Canadian-based Multimatic Lola B2K/40 to victory within the LMP675 Class at the 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans. Our heartfelt condolences exit to John’s household and associates.”

Tributes have flooded in since Graham’s passing, with none more heartbreaking than the lengthy one Graham’s daughter Jess issued on her Instagram. “Dad — as I sit right here watching you are taking your final breaths with (*58*) & Sam by my facet, all I can keep pondering is what we’re going to do with all of the love we now have in our hearts for you as soon as you might be gone,” she wrote on the social media platform.

“There is no straightforward method to come to phrases with the yr that we now have had. Every day since your analysis has felt like a mental and bodily battle for my household and me. I’m sure people in comparable conditions can relate to the truth that you undergo each stage of emotion: heartbreak, anger, denial, and combating. Knowing you’ll by no means stroll me down the aisle or meet my kids is a wound that can by no means heal.

“Though not an easy fight, one emotion I felt the most was a deep appreciation for having John Graham as my dad; this is something I cannot share enough. Not only do I think I see the world through your eyes, but I’m constantly inspired by how you’ve fought for your kids all your life.

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“You have taught us energy by means of how you react to issues, particularly these you’ll be able to’t control. You have made us realise how fortunate we’re to have passions and the power and privilege to execute them.

“You also taught me how grateful I am for my health, and how incredibly unfair life is even when you play it right, so you should live each day recognising how lucky you are. I’m so thankful for you, Dad, and I will miss you so much every day.”