Full Name: Alfred Unser
Profession: Auto Racer
Biography: Al Unser was an American automobile racer, known as the younger brother of Jerry Unser and Bobby Unser, who were both also racing drivers. His son, Al Unser Jr., was also a race car driver.
Unser is best known for winning the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race four times (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987). He was the second to have achieved this feat, and the fourth to have won the race in two years consecutively.
Alongside Unser's siblings and son, two of his nephews have also competed in the Indianapolis 500: Johnny Unser and Robby Unser.
Born: May 29, 1939
Birthplace: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Gemini
Died: December 9, 2021 (aged 82)
Cause of Death: Cancer
Historical Events
- 1970-05-30 Indianapolis 500: Al Unser Snr joins his brother Bobby as the first duo of brothers to win the race; owner Parnelli Jones second to win as both a driver and owner
- 1971-05-29 Indianapolis 500: Defending champion Al Unser Snr becomes first and only driver to win race on his birthday; leads for final 83 laps
- 1978-05-28 Indianapolis 500: Al Unser Snr in a Lola dominates second half of race to hold off Tom Sneva for his third Indy victory
- 1987-05-24 Indianapolis 500: 47 year-old, now part-time driver Al Unser Sr. wins his record-tying 4th Indy title in a huge upset
- 1991-05-26 Indianapolis 500: Rick Mears wins from pole, becoming the third 4-time winner (joins A. J. Foyt and Al Unser); record 6th career pole position for Mears
Al Unser Jr.
Ayrton Senna
Bill Elliott
Bobby Unser
Dale Earnhardt
Mario Andretti