A racing helmet that belonged to Maple Ridge autosports icon Greg Moore has been stolen from the BC Sports Hall of Fame at BC Place.
His mother is appealing to the anyone involved to bring back the cherished piece of sports memorabilia, and the Hall is asking for the public's help in finding what it calls "a priceless piece of Canadian motorsport history."
The helmet was worn by the legendary IndyCar driver during his 1998 win at the Rio 400 in Brazil.
Moore's headgear was part of a permanent loan from his parents, Ric and Donna Moore, and is considered one of the most iconic items in the Hall’s motorsport collection. The helmet carries significant monetary value given its historical rarity – Moore passed away after a crash at just 24 years old. But it holds an even deeper significance for the Moore family as a reminder of Greg’s life and legacy.
“That helmet is a part of Greg that we’ll never get back,” said his mother Donna. “It’s not just racing gear, it’s a symbol of who he was, the joy he brought to people, and the dreams he chased. Please, if anyone knows where it is, help bring it home. Not just for us, but for everyone who loved Greg and what he stood for.”
Moore died in a crash on Oct. 31, 1999 in Fontana, California, after his airborne car hit a concrete barrier. He had been a rising star on the CART series, with 17 podium finishes in 72 races, including five wins. Autosport.com said he was "on the cusp of greatness." In his hometown he was loved by everyone, including the young people of Maple Ridge, who chose to put his name on their community youth centre.
The theft occurred on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 3, after staff discovered that the helmet had been stolen from the mannequin beside Moore’s IndyCar. The suspect is described as a man wearing a black hat, black pants, blue shirt, grey jacket, white shoes, and carrying a burgundy sports bag.
The stolen artifact is a distinctive helmet with Player’s Racing Team and Mercedes logos on the forehead. It is decorated with blue and gold checkers, a red and yellow lightning bolt motif, and a peacock feather-inspired design.
“This helmet isn’t just a valuable artifact, it’s a deeply personal and irreplaceable piece of Canadian sports history,” said Jason Beck, curator of the Hall of Fame. “It represents one of Greg Moore’s greatest triumphs and is a lasting symbol of his legacy. We are devastated by this loss and urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Moore’s car number 99 was retired from CART. He was inducted into both the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame and the BC Sports Hall of Fame the year after his death.
The Hall of Fame is working closely with Vancouver Police and BC Place security, and encourages anyone with tips or information to contact Vancouver Police Department (604-717-3321) or the BC Sports Hall of Fame (604-687-5520).
