IndyCar legend and four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Sr. has passed away at the age of 82.
Unser’s racing career began in 1957 competing on short dirt tracks in modifieds and sprint cars. He then began his long USAC / IndyCar career in 1964 and raced for thirty years before retiring.
Over that time, he entered 29 Indy 500 races, tying the overall record by winning four separate times, and finishing second in three other events.
Unser’s passing comes just a few months after Helio Castroneves joined him in the four-time winners club, along with AJ Foyt and Rick Mears.
“We have lost a true racing legend and a champion on and off the track,” said IndyCar series owner and one-time colleague Roger Penske.
“Al was the quiet leader of the Unser family, a tremendous competitor and one of the greatest drivers to ever race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“From carrying on his family’s winning tradition at Pikes Peak to racing in NASCAR, sports cars, earning championships in INDYCAR and IROC and, of course, becoming just the second driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times, Al had an amazing career that spanned nearly 30 years.
“He produced two championships and three wins for our race team, including his memorable victory in the 1987 Indy 500 when he famously qualified and won with a car that was on display in a hotel lobby just a few days before.
“We were honored to help Al earn a place in history with his fourth Indy victory that day, and he will always be a big part of our team.
“Our thoughts are with the Unser family as they mourn the loss of a man that was beloved across the racing world and beyond.”
Unser’s family was plagued with motorsport related injuries and accidents, including his daughter Deborah. He is survived by his Indy 500-winning son Al Unser Jr, and his wife Susan.
Motorsport Week gives condolences to Al Unser’s family.
