Racing car driver Ashlea Albertson dies aged 24 in horror ‘road rage crash’ just months before wedding

RACING driver Ashlea Albertson has died at the age of 24 in an alleged road rage crash.

The Tony Stewart Racing star was due to get married in just a few months.

InstagramAshlea Albertson has died age 24[/caption]

Facebook/ Indiana State PoliceShe was killed after two cars crashed on a highway in Indiana[/caption]

Ashlea was the passenger in one of two vehicles involved in the incident on Interstate 65 in Jackson County, Indiana, cops said.

She was thrown from the car at about 11.30am on Friday and was flown to hospital, where she later died just a day before a championship event on Saturday.

It is understood her fiancé Jacob Kelly, 31, was driving the GMC Terrain in the left lane when a black 2016 Chevrolet Malibu pulled up in the right lane.

According to police, the “two drivers began accelerating rapidly and refused to allow the other vehicle to pass”.

The Chevrolet – being driven by a 22-year-old – is then said to have veered into the left lane.

Cops say the cars then crashed, and Ashlea was ejected from the vehicle as it rolled.

She was pronounced dead in hospital, while the two drivers and a passenger in the Chevrolet were all injured.

Ashlea was a dirt race driver for Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and team owner.

She drove TQ Midget cars and last raced on August 11 – just days before her death.

Ashlea’s heartbroken dad Todd said his daughter “just loved racing” in an emotional tribute.

He said: “She was a good kid, a better person and she just loved racing.

“She loved the community and you all have done so much for her.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“This is one of the hardest posts that I could possibly make and I have no words to put it out other than to make it a video to share with everyone who loved her and who she loved in return.”

Stewart also paid tribute to Ashlea, hailing her as a “great race car driver”.

He wrote: “Ashlea had an infectious personality and could light up any room.

“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.”

An investigation, including toxicology tests on both drivers, is ongoing.

Facebook/ Indiana State PoliceCops are investigating the crash[/caption]

TwitterAshlea drove dirt cars for Tony Stewart’s team[/caption]