CART: MOORE KILLED IN ACCIDENT : DRIVER FLIPS CAR, CRASHES INTO WALL.

Byline: Jim Gazzolo Staff Writer

Fun and games gave way to tragedy Sunday as CART driver Greg Moore became the first fatality in the three-year history of the California Speedway.

Moore died from massive head and internal injures at 1:21 p.m. after being airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center. The 24-year old driver never regained consciousness after flipping sideways and hitting the wall while coming out of turn 2 on lap 10 of the Marlboro 500.

Television replays seemed to indicate Moore hit the brakes while coming up on Mark Blundell's racer and lost control, half-flipping before hitting the concrete wall sideways and then skidding down across the track and into the grass infield.

Speedway president Scott Atherton called it: ``The saddest day in the history of the speedway.''

Moore, who ironically lost the lead in last year's race coming out of the same turn on the final lap, was survived by his father, Ric, a member of his crew, and mother, Donna.

``From the time of the accident Greg was in critical shape,'' said Dr. Steve Olvey, CART's director of medical affairs. ``We gave him the best chance that we could given the situation.''

Moore is the second CART driver to be killed in an accident this year. Gonzalo Rodriguez died from injuries following his wreck in practice at Monterey's Laguna Seca Raceway on Sept. 11.

CART president Andrew Craig said there was no thought to canceling the race. However, instead of holding a victory ceremony in the winner's circle following the race, there was a short memorial service held on the infield.

The final 113 laps were run under flags flying at half-staff. When news of Moore's death was announced to the crowd, some race fans on the infield could be seen crying.

Moore was an up-and-coming star on the CART circuit. His second-place finish at Fontana a year earlier propelled him to a fifth-place finish in the points standings. He was ninth this season.

``Greg clearly and unequivocally was going to be a champion in our sport in the near future,'' Craig said. ``There is no question about that.''

Moore, who drove for the Player's Forsythe Racing team, had five career victories and four poles. He won two races last season and captured the season-opening race at Miami-Homestead this year.

The Canadian driver almost didn't make the race. He was injured in a motor bike accident Friday night at the speedway and broke a bone at the base of his fourth finger. He was fitted with a special brace and had to take extra practice laps Saturday to determine whether or not he could race.

He was re-examined again before and after warmup laps Sunday morning and was again cleared to race. ``The question of his being able to drive was only on the discomfort he would suffer,'' said Dr. Greg Baumann, medical director of the California Speedway.

``He very much wanted to drive if at all possible. He had no problems during warmup. We feel very strongly that the hand was not related to the accident.''

Moore's car was impounded and will be examined to try to learn what caused the crash.

Originally, Craig canceled today's season-ending CART awards banquet set for Hollywood. However, at the request of the family, the dinner will go on.

MOORE

@FILE

A look at the career of Greg Moore, who died Sunday in a crash at the Marlboro 500 CART race at California Speedway.

Hometown: Maple Ridge, British Columbia.

Race career: Began racing go-karts in 1986 at age 11. Won North American Enduro Kart Racing Championship in 1989 and 1990. In 1991, was rookie of the year in the Formula 1600 Series. Next year won the USAC Formula 2000 West title. Moved to the Indy Lights series in 1993, finishing ninth in points standings. Finished third, winning three races, in 1994 Indy Lights championship despite being the youngest competitor. At 20, Moore won the Indy Lights title in 1995, winning a record 10-of-12 races. He moved to the Indy-car circuit in 1996, where he was again the youngest driver. He finished third in his third career start. Became top contender in 1997, finishing seventh in championship standings.

Highlights: Youngest driver to win a CART race (22 years, one month, 10 days) in 1997. Finished fifth in driver's standings in 1998. Five career victories.

Personal: Single.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

PHOTO (1 -- 2 -- color) Crew members cover the wreckage of Greg Moore's car after his fatal crash. Moore becomes the first fatality in the California Speedway's three-year history.

Jeff Grace/Staff Photographer

BOX: Moore file (see text)