Rodriguez killed at Laguna Seca

The 27-year-old rookie, driving his second race for Team Penske, went off at Turn 8, the corkscrew section, and smashed into the wall and overturned during Saturday morning's practice session.

He was approaching the famed turn on the road course when his car hurtled off the track and through a gravel trap without losing speed.

The car struck a tyre barrier and slammed into the concrete wall behind the tyres.

The open-wheel car flipped about 30 feet, flying over a wall of advertisements and landing upside down on a grassy hill.

Cart safety team officials removed Rodriguez from the car following yesterday's accident and he was taken to hospital, but was pronounced dead at 10.10am.

According to doctors, Rodriguez, who also drove for Astromega's F3000 team, sustained massive head and neck injuries in the incident.

In respect to Rodriguez and his family, Team Penske has withdrawn both entries from this weekend's event.

The final CART qualifying session began as scheduled on Saturday, but the track and pit lane remained empty in deference to the tragedy.

Sunday's starting grid will be based on Friday's provisional qualifying results.

'Out of respect for Gonzalo Rodriguez and his family, the drivers unanimously agreed to suspend qualifying for Saturday and accept the times posted on Friday,' the Championship Drivers Association said in a released statement.

'Our deepest sympathy is extended to Gonzalo's family.'

A moment of silence will be observed and the Uruguayan flag will be displayed for Rodriguez during Sunday's driver introductions.

'This is a very sad day for Champ Car racing,' said Cart president and chief executive officer Andrew Craig.

'Gonzalo was a talented young race car driver who had the potential for a great racing career. No words can alleviate the sadness of his family and friends, but we send them our deepest sympathy at this tragic time.'

Rodriguez made his first career Champ Car start as a member of Team Penske at Detroit in early August.

He qualified 16th and finished 12th for his first career championship point.

He also was competing in Formula 3000 this season and was second in the championship for Team Astromega.

His career highlights included being a three-time Uruguayan Formula Renault champion (1988-90), Formula 3 rookie of the year (1991) and taking three career victories in F3000, the most recent coming May 15 in Monaco.