Billy Vukovich III was the 1987 USAC super modified champion, winning 12 of 17 races. He competed in the  Indianapolis 500 three times and was the 1988 Rookie Of The Year. Tragically, Billy was killed during practice for a CRA sprint car race at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield November 25, 1990. He was just 27 years old. The race was won by another young driver named Jeff Gordon.