Team Red Bull mechanic murdered at N.C. home

Jimmy Sprinkle, a mechanic for Team Red Bull's No. 83 Nextel Cup organization, was shot and killed on his North Carolina farm Saturday night. He was 44.

According to local reports, Sprinkle saw someone coming down the driveway of his home in Alexander County, N.C., at approximately 10:30 p.m. ET and went outside to take a look. That's when Sprinkle was shot in the chest one time. He died later that night at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the unfortunate loss of Jimmy Sprinkle's life," Team Red Bull vice president and general manager Marty Gaunt said in a statement. "We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Jimmy's family and friends.

"Jimmy was one of those hard-working crew guys with great personality that don't come around very often."

Although investigators will not comment on a motive, it has been reported they have found the vehicle of the shooter -- a white 1980s Monte Carlo with a dark blue top. The gunman, however, has not been captured.

Sprinkle had been with the No. 83 team for a year and previously worked as a mechanic in the Craftsman Truck Series with Addington Racing and Morgan Dollar Motorsports.