Unser, Al, Sr. (1939-2021), became one of the most successful drivers in automobile racing history. He won the Indianapolis 500 race, often called the Indy 500, four times (1970, 1971, 1978, and 1987). In 1978, Unser became the third driver in racing history to win races in a single year on a paved oval track, a road course, and a dirt track. The other drivers to achieve this feat were Mario Andretti and A. J. Foyt.
Alfred Unser was born on May 29, 1939, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He began racing professionally in 1957 and made his Indy car debut in 1964. He retired as a racing car driver in 1994. Unser’s brother Bobby won the Indianapolis 500 race three times. Another brother, Jerry, was killed while racing at the Indianapolis 500 in 1959. Al’s son Al Unser, Jr., won the Indianapolis 500 in 1992 and 1994. Al Unser, Sr., died on Dec. 9, 2021.
