Thomas E
05-22-2009, 07:19 AM
Former Indy 500, USAC driver Larry Rice dies at 63
BROWNSBURG, Ind. (AP) — Former USAC champion and 1978 Indy 500 co-rookie of the year Larry Rice has died of lung cancer. He was 63.
His death Wednesday was announced by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rice shared 1978 rookie of the year honors with Rick Mears after finishing 11th. He finished 19th the following year in his only other Indy 500 start.
The Linden, Ind., native won the USAC Midget title in 1973 and was a two-time USAC Silver Crown champion. He started 650 USAC races over 24 years.
Rice joined Gary Lee to host USAC's "Thunder" series on ESPN in the 1990s. They also provided commentary for the international feed of IndyCar Series races in recent years.
Rice, who also had taught and sold insurance, is survived by his wife, Beverly, and sons Robbie and Zachary.
A memorial service was planned for 2 p.m. Saturday at Brickyard Crossing, next to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
BROWNSBURG, Ind. (AP) — Former USAC champion and 1978 Indy 500 co-rookie of the year Larry Rice has died of lung cancer. He was 63.
His death Wednesday was announced by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rice shared 1978 rookie of the year honors with Rick Mears after finishing 11th. He finished 19th the following year in his only other Indy 500 start.
The Linden, Ind., native won the USAC Midget title in 1973 and was a two-time USAC Silver Crown champion. He started 650 USAC races over 24 years.
Rice joined Gary Lee to host USAC's "Thunder" series on ESPN in the 1990s. They also provided commentary for the international feed of IndyCar Series races in recent years.
Rice, who also had taught and sold insurance, is survived by his wife, Beverly, and sons Robbie and Zachary.
A memorial service was planned for 2 p.m. Saturday at Brickyard Crossing, next to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.