SPECIAL EVENT (MOORESVILLE, NC.) - NATIONWIDE DRIVER, JASON LEFFLER, TO BE HONORED IN HIS HOMETOWN OF LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

While in town for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at California Speedway this weekend, Long Beach, CA native, Jason Leffler, driver of the No. 38 Great Clips Toyota Camry, will be honored in his hometown on Wednesday, February 20th, at Smooth’s Sports Grille in Long Beach. Smooth’s, which this year celebrates its 26th year of business, will hang Leffler’s firesuit and helmet for permanent display as a way to pay tribute for his hard work and success, and of course, his roots in Long Beach.

Leffler cut his teeth in racing around the Long Beach area, racing quarter-midgets. Over the course of his open-wheel career Leffler won three United States Auto Club (USAC) Midget National titles, becoming the first driver in 37 years to capture three consecutive National Midget titles as well as one Silver Crown National Championship.

Leffler changed directions in 2000 and left his open-wheel career behind to pursue one in the NASCAR ranks and has since competed in all three of NASCAR’s top-series. Currently driving the No. 38 Great Clips Toyota for Braun Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Leffler had his best season to date in 2007, finishing third in the championship point standings and going into the record books by giving Toyota their first Nationwide Series victory by winning at O’Reilly Raceway Park last July. This season, Leffler will run for his first NASCAR Nationwide Series championship.

“I always look forward to coming home to California but this trip is going to be even more special for me. Smooth’s Sports Grill is a staple in Long Beach and has been for the last 26 years. John Morris has made it a point to celebrate and pay tribute to other athletes from this area and I am honored to now be a part of that history. To be recognized for years of had work in such a way with my wife, Alison, and son, Charlie Dean as well as other family and friends there means a lot to me.”

Smooth’s owner, John Morris, looks forward to honoring Leffler and to having his gear in his restaurant.

"We're excited to have Jason back home in Long Beach and to have him share his success with his fans, friends and family,” said Morris. “Jason will be inducted into the Smooth's "Legends of Long Beach" display and we'll be honored to have his photo and memorabilia adorning the restaurant's walls."