Jeff Gordon Part of NASCAR Community to React to the Tragic Demise of IndyCar Legend Al Unser
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Earlier today, there was sad news for the American motorsport fraternity, as 4-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser passed away. The 82-year-old enjoyed a long and successful career in the racing arena. When he finally hung up his racing boots, Al Unser Sr came away with 39 wins in addition to his three IndyCar titles.
Unser competed in a single non-championship race at the Ontario Motor Speedway during the 1971 F1 season, finishing 24th. He also competed in a few NASCAR Cup races; while he never really reached Victory Lane, Unser did notch up one Top 10 and two Top 5 finishes. Those results came at Riverside and at the Daytona International Speedway. Upon his passing, many in the NASCAR community paid tribute to him, including NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon.
My heart is so saddened. My father passed away last night. He was a Great man and even a Greater Father. Rest In Peace Dad!🙏♥️🙏
— Al Unser Jr (@alunserjr) December 10, 2021
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According to reports, Unser passed away at his home in Chama, New Mexico. It is also worth mentioning that Unser is the owner of some fairly unique records in his racing career. To be precise, he and his son Al Unser Jr, are the first father-son duo to win the Indianapolis 500. Additionally, he and his brother, Bobby, are the first siblings to win the Indy 500.
Al Unser leaves behind a great legacy in IndyCar racing
He kick-started his career in 1957, competing in his first Indy 500 in 1965. Five years later, he stormed to a lights-to-flag triumph for the first time at Indianapolis. In fact, he finished the race an astounding 32 seconds ahead of runner-up Mark Donohue.
Sad news. Our thoughts go out to the entire Unser family. Al Unser will be missed. https://t.co/QO6Yppn9cg
— Pocono Raceway (@PoconoRaceway) December 10, 2021
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RIP Al Unser #Legend pic.twitter.com/2vDodzUqz0
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) December 10, 2021
More wins followed, but the 1987 triumph was truly spectacular. This was because, in the buildup to that race, Unser Sr was still hunting for a drive because he was out of contract. After being let go by Team Penske, the outfit hired him once again when one of their drivers had a concussion in a practice crash. In the process, the then 47-year-old became the oldest winner in Indy 500 history.
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The death of Unser is truly a great loss for the motorsport community.
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