DAYTON, Ohio — National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer Larry Moore, the first three-time winner of the World 100 amid a legendary racing career, died early Thursday at a nursing facility in his native Dayton, Ohio, after an extended illness.
The 83-year-old’s passing was announced by the Hall of Fame, calling him “one of the greatest drivers to ever sit behind the wheel.”
Moore’s three World 100 victories at Ohio’s Eldora Speedway came in 1979, 1981 and 1985. He captured several series’ championships including the National Dirt Racing Association title in 1980 and the Short Track Auto Racing Starts crown in 1985-86.
Enjoying success at Eldora and other Midwest tracks in the late 1960s, Moore was dubbed “Lonesome Larry” by local sports writers. As his speed career continued, Moore’s win record was not ‘lonesome’ – capturing races from the Midwest down to Florida in dirt track action.
In addition to dirt late models, Moore also competed and won in American Speed Association, Automobile Racing Club of America and United States Auto Club (USAC) stock car competition. One of his biggest paydays came in USAC at Wisconsin’s “Milwaukee Mile” in 1975, winning a 250-miller behind the wheel of the G.W. Pierce Auto Parts Dodge. 1975 saw Moore named USAC’s “Most Improved Driver.”
Moore also competed in USAC Champ Dirt Car and sprint car competition in the 1970s.
