Long Beach's Jason Leffler honored

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Jason Leffler, who calls Long Beach his hometown, will be honored at Smooth's Sports Grille in Long Beach on Wednesday.
The restaurant, owned by John Morris, will hang Leffler's firesuit and helmet and keep them on display in tribute to the driver.
“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," said Leffler, driver of the No. 38 Toyota for Braun Racing. "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.”
Leffler will be in Saturday's Nationwide Series race at California Speedway.
He finished third in what was then the Busch Series standings last year and won the first race for Toyota in the Busch Series, at O'Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis in July.
Before racing in NASCAR, Leffler won three USAC Midget National championships and a Silver Crown championship.
"We're excited to have Jason back home in Long Beach and to have him share his success with his fans, friends and family,” Morris said. “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."