In one of the most pivotal races of his career, Al Unser Sr. had to decide whether he was a racer or a father.
He …
In one of the most pivotal races of his career, Al Unser Sr. had to decide whether he was a racer or a father. He chose racer. In reality, he was both. By finishing fourth in the final race of the 1985 CART championship, Unser Sr. denied his son Al Unser Jr. the title by one point. “I pulled alongside of him, I tried to tell him that I was sorry,” Unser Sr. said years later. No apology was necessary. Al Unser Sr. died late Thursday evening at his home in Chama, New Mexico. after a 17-year battle with cancer. A brother to the late Bobby Unser and father to fellow racing legend Unser Jr., Al Unser Sr. was 82 years old. A smooth racer on the track, his five-decade career included four Indianapolis 500 victories, three national championships, two Pikes Peak Hill Climb victories, one IROC championship and the most laps led (644) to date in the Indy 500. “Al’s combination of his quiet and humble approach outside the car with his fierce competitive spirit and fearless talent behind the wheel made him a fan-favorite,” said IMS president Doug Boles in a statement. “He will be remembered as one of the best to ever race at Indianapolis, and we will all miss his smile, sense of humor and his warm, approachable personality. “Our thoughts and prayers are with (his wife) Susan Unser, the entire Unser family, and all Al’s friends and fans.” Balancing aggression with care for his equipment, Unser Sr. earned 39 victories in American open wheel racing competition, but it was his final win that cemented the Albuquerque, New Mexico, native’s place in motorsports lore. Coming to the 1987 Indianapolis 500 without a ride, Unser Sr. stayed near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to help his son get up to speed. Danny Ongais had replaced the elder Unser at Team Penske, but a heavy crash in practice ruled out Ongais for the 500. Roger Penske called Unser Sr. to see whether he would run the car. “I said heck yes, I didn’t have to take a second guess about that one because it is a team that is capable of winning,” said Unser Sr.
