Collision With Wall During Phoenix Race Kills Milburn

Danny Milburn of Indianapolis was killed Sunday when his car tangled with another racer and slammed into the first-turn wall of the Phoenix International Raceway.

The accident occurred on the seventh lap U.S. Auto Club’s Silver Crown series, part of the Copper World Classic.

Milburn and Mark Alderson of Brownsburg. Ind., came together in the first turn and both cars ended up in the wall.

Milburn was pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Hospital, spokeswoman Debra Gelbart said. The details and extent of Milburn’s injuries weren’t immediately disclosed.

The 50-lap race was won by Jeff Gordon of Pittsboro, Ind., who led the last 16 laps of the one-mile oval.

The winner turned back a challenge from Eric Gordon of Greenfield, Ind., after the field was bunched by a late-race caution.

In other races:

-- Davey Hamilton of Boise, Idaho, took the 25-lap supermodified main event.

--Stevie Reeves of Speedway, Ind., triumphed in the 25-lap USAC Western States midget feature.

--Junior Hanley of Canada successfully defended his Copper World title in the 40-lapper for stock cars.