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Al Unser Jr Retires from Racing, Next Al Steps Up

Written by Josh Katinger · June 30, 2004

Al Unser Jr. as an Indianapolis 500 rookie in 1983
- photo: IMS

Two-time Indy 500 winner and open wheel racing legend Al Unser Jr. has decided to call it a career. Unser decided to stop driving after this past weekend’s IRL SunTrust Indy Challenge at Richmond International Raceway where he drove for Patrick racing. Unser will remain with Patrick Racing as an advisor. The team will name a new driver shortly.

“I have always said that I would get out of the race car if driving stopped being fun for me and if I felt that I was no longer competitive on the track,” Unser said. “After careful thought, I came to this conclusion just after the Richmond race and knew that it was time for me to retire. So, true to my word, I am stepping out of the car.”

IndyRacing.com: Unser Announces Retirement After Legendary Open-Wheel Career
Motorsport.com: Unser Jr. hangs it up
IndyRacing.com: Unser’s Career In Photos
abqtrib.com: Al Jr. was frustrated

However, it looks like Little Al’s exit from the sport is just a case of “out with the old, in with the new.” Alfred Richard Unser, the grandson of three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Sr. and the son of the retiring two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Al Unser Jr., will make his Indy Racing League Menards Infiniti Pro Series debut July 3 in the Aventis Racing for Kids 100 at Kansas Speedway.

SportsIllustrated.com: One Unser retires, another ready to race

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Comments

3 Responses to “Al Unser Jr Retires from Racing, Next Al Steps Up”

  1. Tim M on July 6th, 2004 1:47 pm

    With Al Jr. joining Michael Andretti in retirement, a chapter in American auto racing comes to an end. Though troubled in recent years, Al Jr. should be remembered for his competitiveness and love of the INDY 500.

  2. Ron Anderson on March 16th, 2005 11:17 am

    Any chance of Al Unser Jr, racing in this years Indy 500 ?? It just dont seem right without a Unser in that Race?? Especialy Al Unser Jr…You will always have my vote Al…

  3. Laura on January 11th, 2006 12:00 am

    I just wanted to find out if anyone knows if Al was in Belpre, Ohio in 1986 or had family members living in Ohio around that time??? I am just curious I had went out with a guy in Belpre in 1986 that told me his name was Al Unser Jr. and said he was a race car driver. I didn’t really believe him but just thought about it today while talking to a co-worker in Miami, FL. I would like to send him an email. Thanks Laura

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