Three time NASCAR champion Bobby East, 37, is stabbed to death at California gas station midweek as he filled up his car:

NASCAR star Bobby East, 37, died after being stabbed at a California gas station on Wednesday 

Following the knife attack, cops launched manhunt for 27-year-old homeless parolee for the murder

Trent William Millsap, 27, allegedly stabbed East and another man at a gas station in Westminster on Wednesday 

East was rushed to the hospital, but had succumbed to his injury, police said

NASCAR star Bobby East died after being stabbed at a California gas station. 
Police are looking for Trent William Millsap, 27, who allegedly stabbed the three-time US Auto Club (USAC) champ in the chest while he was fueling up in Westminster, California on Wednesday. 
East, 37, was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 
Westminister Police said in a statement that: ‘The victim was found on the ground suffering from a serious stab wound to the chest area,’ adding, ‘Officers attempted life saving measures until OCFA paramedics arrived and transported the victim to a local trauma center, where the victim succumbed to his injury.’  

Police said Millsap, a transient who frequents the area, stabbed another man at the 76 gas station before allegedly attacking East. 
Officials said Millsap, who has distinct tattoos all over his body, should be considered armed and dangerous. The homeless man also has an outstanding parole warrant. 
East, of Torrance, California, was a star in the racing world, capturing three USAC national driving titles and winning the SAC Silver Crown championships in 2004, 2012 and 2013. 
Breaking onto the scene in 2001, East was seen as a natural on the racetrack given that he’s the son of USAC Hall of Fame car builder Bob East. 

That year, East found his first victory at the USAC National Midgets in 2001, becoming the youngest winner ever at the time at 16, and he was awarded the USAC’s Rookie of the Year. 
The USAC dubbed him ‘the winningest USAC National Midget Rookie in more than a quarter century.’  
He totaled 22 USAC National Midget wins during his career, and raced in 42 NASCAR national competitions between 2005 and 2008. 
Following news of East’s tragic passing, many fans and fellow racers took to Twitter to mourn the 37-year-old. 

Tributes have flooded in online for the 37-year-old, Two-time NASCAR Champion and Fox Sports analyst Todd Bodine said, tweeted: “Bobby East was one heck of a racer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the East family.”
Racing fan Daniel Kriete also mourned East on Twitter, writing: ‘R.I.P. Bobby East, my prayers and condolences go out to his family.’  

Another racing fan on Twitter, Paul Dalbey, repeated praise for the late driver. 
‘Just saw Bobby East passed away. Man, that dude could wheel it in anything for USACNation,’ Dalbey wrote. ‘A great driver!’