Al Unser

American racecar driver (1939–2021)

Alfred Unser (May 29, 1939 – December 9, 2021) was an American automobile racing driver.

Al Unser Sr.
NationalityAmerican
BornAlfred Unser
May 29, 1939
Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
DiedDecember 9, 2021(2021-12-09) (aged 82)
Chama, New Mexico, U.S.
Championship titles
1970 USAC National Championship Trail Champion
1978 Triple Crown of Ovals (IndyCar) Champion
1983, 1985 PPG Indy Car World Series Champion
1970, 1971, 1978, 1987 Indianapolis 500 Winner
Champ Car career
322 races run over 30 years
Years active1965–1993
Team(s)Longhorn
Penske
Granatelli
Porsche
Foyt
Haas/Hall
Menard
King
Best finish1st: 1970, 1983, 1985
First race1964 Tony Bettenhausen 200 (Milwaukee)
Last race1993 Indianapolis 500 (Indy)
First win1968 Nazareth 100 (Nazareth)
Last win1987 Indianapolis 500 (Indy)
Wins Podiums Poles
39 97 28
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career
5 races run over 3 years
First race1968 Motor Trend 500 (Riverside)
Last race1986 Winston Western 500 (Riverside)
Wins Top tens Poles
0 3 0

He was the younger brother of racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser Jr. He was the second of four men (A. J. Foyt, himself, Rick Mears and Hélio Castroneves) to have won the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987). He also won the National Championship in 1970, 1983, and 1985.

In 2004, Unser was diagnosed with liver cancer.[1] He died from the disease on December 9, 2021 at his home in Chama, New Mexico at the age of 82.[2]

References

change
  1. "Al Unser expected to make full recovery". espn.com. ESPN. November 9, 2005. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  2. "Al Unser Sr., four-time winner of Indianapolis 500, dies at 82". espn.com. ESPN, Inc. Retrieved 10 December 2021.