Sorry to hear this news. Even on this side of the pond, the name "Unser" is well known among petrolheads, and is held in great regard. My deepest sympathy to the whole family after such a year. Your name will live on in the record books and in our hearts. RIP Big guy, you'll be sorely missed.
Al didn't lose a "17 year battle with cancer" as I read...it was a draw. He took the cancer down with him. - Norm MacDonald, philosopher. RIP Al, you lived one helluva life.
I've always disliked the "lost his/her battle with" wording. Many people live courageously, and fulfilling lives while having cancer, or some other affliction. Thanks for your comments Rick, and Tommy!
RIP GOAT! Loved what AJ says about Big Al, echos something I have felt forever: Al was( IMHO) one of the most underrated drivers of all time, and to me was really the greatest of them all...EVER!
Tough year for the Unsers, losing Bobby, Bobby Jr, and now Al Sr on December 9th. Hang in there, Al Jr. RIP Big Al. I had the good fortune to see Al trying to win his 5th Indy 500, when he finished 3rd at the first Indy I attended in 1988. Quite a lineup in that race, but Mears simply had the better car.
I moved at the end of 1986 and almost missed the 500 in 1987. I had went with a travel agent by bus for years but did not have that option at new address. I found a newspaper ad for tickets a couple of days before race. Bought them and glad I did. Great race from turn 2. RIP Big Al.
I can't thank you enough for doing this Al Sr. tribute ! He was the consumat gentleman, and racer's racer ! One of the most professional men I have had the honor of being able to spend time with ! We'll miss you All, and brother Bobby as well ! Thank you again !
One morning, many years ago, I was having coffee at the Holiday Inn in Jackson, Michigan. I looked up to see a lone figure waiting to be seated. It was Al Unser. What a thrill. Better yet, as I pulled out of the parking lot, I saw Al Sr with a red headed kid, and realized that it was "Little Al". I believe Al Jr. was already racing midgets, and sprints at 13 years old. Few names are as revered as Unser in the racing world!
Al Unser is the best race driver I ever saw and I saw many Great drivers in person. I also, remember my Father we would go see Al and A.J. Foyt My Father wanted A.J.Foyt to WIN and I wanted Al Unser to WIN at OMS in Ontario, Ca. Al Unser WINNER of the Triple Crown 500 miles races on different type of ovals in one season only driver to do it. WON ! Both drivers were Great Al Unser and A.J. Foyt. Godspeed Al Unser always !
The first hero I had in life, other than my father, was Al Unser. I was 7 when he won that first one in the Johnny Lightening Special. That car, and Al's kind appearance and voice, was everything a young boy crazy about cars would hope for. Further, Big Al carried this classy reputation with him for the entirety of his life. What a fine choice I made in selecting him as my hero all those years ago. RIP, Big Al, and Thank You, for Everything.
'Always remember what both Parnelli and A.J. Foyt said, "if they had to pick just one driver to hire, it would be Al Unser." Foyt reminded everyone this week that it was he, that recognized the talent and gave Al his first opportunity at Indy in 1965 in one of the Sheraton-Thompson Specials.
I only knew Al Unser like most people from TV. He was a truly great driver and always appears to be an honest and humble human being. He will be forever remembered as one of the greatest in my opinion.
My childhood hero. When all the other kids were talking about AJ, I talked about Al Unser. What an amazing career by one of the all-time greats! RIP Al!!! Thank you for so many wonderful memories!
It was awesome to watch you race Big Al, all those years hope you do many more laps up in heaven. our condolences to the Unser family. Hey Al Jr you're awesome to have your dad be your hero! I'm going to watch. ( 4 ) Indianapolis 500 races that I have . In your honor Big Al
RIP, Big Al, you will be missed and remembered by many , saw #4 and Bobby’s #3, has to watch Little Al win on tv. You guys were unbelievable. Al Jr., you family is legacy and loved. Best in the the sport…..
Few may know but Big Al should have been the first 5-time winner. He helped develop and then left the car (the "Yellow Submarine") and team that Johnny Rutherford dominated the 1980 race with. R.I.P.
It was a real delight to meet Al Sr. in 2015 at the Unser Family Museum in Albuquerque. He insisted that I try out his IndyCar simulator, with him watching over my shoulder! It took forever just learning to keep it off the wall, meanwhile Al is prodding me on with "hurry up, Rick, Danica Patrick is about to lap you!"
505 is hurting today....we lost em both, and Bobby Jr in 7 months. Thank you for everything😪. Al Jr and Robby, and the rest of the clan, love you guys!
Our childhood heroes are passing under the chequered flag for the last time; I think I watched every one of Al's four wins on TV here in Australia, in the middle of the night. My goodness he could drive!
A great driver, a true legend of Indy Car racing, and four Indy 500 wins to boot and plenty other achievements, Indy Car racing will never be the same without a true blue legend.
These days a common driver tactic is to simply refuse to give an inch, ever. To intimidate the other drivers with the very real threat of major contact. And the drivers beat the snot out of most modern race cars, because they _can_ . In Al's day, that'd get you badly hurt, killed, or worse. Al could get the most out of a car, and race side by side -- anywhere, on any kind of track. He could do it without breaking the unreliable (even fragile) cars of the time, and without crashing. That's a _real_ driver.
One of the "TRUE GOAT'S" is The Great "Big Al Unser" As Great a Racecar driver as he was, for my money he is the single most underrated Great in history! I always felt that he was also the Smartest Indycar driver ever. If the team gave him a good car, he Won & usually with ease, but also, if the car wasn't right, then he just took what the car would give & no more, that is SMART! For all his Greatness in a Racecar, he was even Greater outside of the car! He & his equally Great brother Bobby, were both World-Class driver's, and World-Class Human being's. RIP to my now former neighbors, The Amazing Unser Brother's, the memory of both shall live on forever, as they are BOTH HERO'S & LEGEND'S 🙏 Hero's & Legend's both 🙏
Sorry to hear this news. Even on this side of the pond, the name "Unser" is well known among petrolheads, and is held in great regard. My deepest sympathy to the whole family after such a year. Your name will live on in the record books and in our hearts. RIP Big guy, you'll be sorely missed.
Glad 2021 is almost over.
Uncle Bobby, Robin Miller, and now Big Al.
Rest In Peace to all three legends.
Bob Jenkins too😔
Bob Bondurant too
Al didn't lose a "17 year battle with cancer" as I read...it was a draw. He took the cancer down with him.
- Norm MacDonald, philosopher. RIP Al, you lived one helluva life.
I've always disliked the "lost his/her battle with" wording. Many people live courageously, and fulfilling lives while having cancer, or some other affliction. Thanks for your comments Rick, and Tommy!
Rest In Peace, Al. Praying for the Unser family
A true racing legend.
1987 is the stuff of legends.
Race in peace, Big Al.
RIP Big Al. You were a true gentleman of the sport.
RIP GOAT! Loved what AJ says about Big Al, echos something I have felt forever: Al was( IMHO) one of the most underrated drivers of all time, and to me was really the greatest of them all...EVER!
Tough year for the Unsers, losing Bobby, Bobby Jr, and now Al Sr on December 9th. Hang in there, Al Jr. RIP Big Al.
I had the good fortune to see Al trying to win his 5th Indy 500, when he finished 3rd at the first Indy I attended in 1988. Quite a lineup in that race, but Mears simply had the better car.
Rest in Peace Legend...
Race in peace Big Al.
Thank you Indy for releasing a video today
A sad day, for sure. Godspeed, Al. Thanks for all the great racing.
I moved at the end of 1986 and almost missed the 500 in 1987. I had went with a travel agent by bus for years but did not have that option at new address. I found a newspaper ad for tickets a couple of days before race. Bought them and glad I did. Great race from turn 2. RIP Big Al.
I've met Al many times. I have a lot of great memories of him . A true Champ and gentleman. We're losing too many of these legends. RIP
They say the track decides who wins at Indianapolis, the track made a good choice with Al Unser!...rip
RIP Al, you will be missed.................. 🏁
RIP LEGEND!!! :'(
I can't thank you enough for doing this Al Sr. tribute !
He was the consumat gentleman, and racer's racer !
One of the most professional men I have had the honor of being able to spend time with !
We'll miss you All, and brother Bobby as well !
Thank you again !
One of the best analyzers as a driver always great to listen to.
Condoglianze a tutta la generazione Unser! RIP Al.
One morning, many years ago, I was having coffee at the Holiday Inn in Jackson, Michigan. I looked up to see a lone figure waiting to be seated. It was Al Unser. What a thrill. Better yet, as I pulled out of the parking lot, I saw Al Sr with a red headed kid, and realized that it was "Little Al". I believe Al Jr. was already racing midgets, and sprints at 13 years old. Few names are as revered as Unser in the racing world!
Great story! Did you say hello?
We will miss you legend 😭.
Rest in peace.He went about his business and let his driving speak for itself.
Al Unser is the best race driver I ever saw and I saw many Great drivers in person. I also, remember my Father we would go see Al and A.J. Foyt My Father wanted A.J.Foyt to WIN and I wanted Al Unser to WIN at OMS in Ontario, Ca. Al Unser WINNER of the Triple Crown 500 miles races on different type of ovals in one season only driver to do it. WON ! Both drivers were Great Al Unser and A.J. Foyt. Godspeed Al Unser always !
Oh no. So sorry for the loss. His family..his fans...his racing family...he was such a legend...RIP Al. Thanks for all the memories🙏
He will be missed...
The first hero I had in life, other than my father, was Al Unser. I was 7 when he won that first one in the Johnny Lightening Special. That car, and Al's kind appearance and voice, was everything a young boy crazy about cars would hope for. Further, Big Al carried this classy reputation with him for the entirety of his life. What a fine choice I made in selecting him as my hero all those years ago. RIP, Big Al, and Thank You, for Everything.
i remember many times in may watching al drive at the indy 500. a true legend behind the wheel.
'Always remember what both Parnelli and A.J. Foyt said, "if they had to pick just one driver to hire, it would be Al Unser." Foyt reminded everyone this week that it was he, that recognized the talent and gave Al his first opportunity at Indy in 1965 in one of the Sheraton-Thompson Specials.
i salute to you for the person that you have been. and the racer that many of us have seen
RIP Big Al a true racer
RIP big Al I am proud to say I was at his fourth win at Indy. Another legend has passed away.
OBRIGADO RACER!
Had your Johnny Lightning Special poster above my bed 50 years ago... Rest in peace and thanks for the memories...
RIP Al Unser and Frank Williams. 🏁 🇬🇧
The entire Unser family = legend. RIP Big Al and Uncle Bobby.
The epitome of cool
I saw him at Langhorne Int'l and he was as hot as a barber's towel. Loved the man...
Sad to lose Big Al. A top all time racing legend and a wonderful person.
I only knew Al Unser like most people from TV. He was a truly great driver and always appears to be an honest and humble human being. He will be forever remembered as one of the greatest in my opinion.
Definitely on the Mount Rushmore of all time drivers.
My childhood hero. When all the other kids were talking about AJ, I talked about Al Unser. What an amazing career by one of the all-time greats! RIP Al!!! Thank you for so many wonderful memories!
A true legend!!
82 years and an interesting life.
Rest in peace Al.
R.I.P AL UNSER SR 1939-2021
R.I.P AL UNSER SR 1939-2021
R.I.P Big Al
It was awesome to watch you race Big Al, all those years hope you do many more laps up in heaven. our condolences to the Unser family. Hey Al Jr you're awesome to have your dad be your hero! I'm going to watch. ( 4 ) Indianapolis 500 races that I have . In your honor Big Al
Class act and a true gentleman's racer. Thanks for all the thrills Al.
What a racing family. Dominated Pikes Peak hill climb for many years.
Isn’t it a shame that all the great ones are passing away? But time passes on for all of us.
RIP, Big Al, you will be missed and remembered by many , saw #4 and Bobby’s #3, has to watch Little Al win on tv. You guys were unbelievable. Al Jr., you family is legacy and loved. Best in the the sport…..
RIP "Big Al". May you travel faster still, through the heavens.
Few may know but Big Al should have been the first 5-time winner. He helped develop and then left the car (the "Yellow Submarine") and team that Johnny Rutherford dominated the 1980 race with. R.I.P.
It was a real delight to meet Al Sr. in 2015 at the Unser Family Museum in Albuquerque. He insisted that I try out his IndyCar simulator, with him watching over my shoulder! It took forever just learning to keep it off the wall, meanwhile Al is prodding me on with "hurry up, Rick, Danica Patrick is about to lap you!"
rip al you where the true meaning of a winner
sempre será lembrado como uma lenda do automobilismo
Great driver from a great era.
Big Al Sr one of greatest in IndyCart Series champions will be missed may R.I.P
Great driver and a great man!
Godspeed Big Al
R.I.P. Mister Unser.
R.I.P Al Unser
Full respect to both Al Unser and A.J. Foyt ! Great racing career and persons.
505 is hurting today....we lost em both, and Bobby Jr in 7 months. Thank you for everything😪. Al Jr and Robby, and the rest of the clan, love you guys!
RIP Big AL
Our childhood heroes are passing under the chequered flag for the last time; I think I watched every one of Al's four wins on TV here in Australia, in the middle of the night. My goodness he could drive!
A great driver, a true legend of Indy Car racing, and four Indy 500 wins to boot and plenty other achievements, Indy Car racing will never be the same without a true blue legend.
rip champ
RIP Big Al
Saw Al on a golf cart on pole day
Waved He waved back 3 weeks later a 4 timer
Rip Big Al
The legend has gone beyond the grid
RIP 🙏🇧🇷
One of the lions. Farewell.
One of the true greats... A racers racer... RIP
Al told in an interview that he received alot of help from A.J. Foyt. early in his career.
Dramatic year for the Unser family, but very happy to see both Bobby and Al survive their racing career and reach a ripe old age.
🙏💐🙋🏻♀️
Thanks for that.
Rip Big AL we will miss you
These days a common driver tactic is to simply refuse to give an inch, ever. To intimidate the other drivers with the very real threat of major contact. And the drivers beat the snot out of most modern race cars, because they _can_ . In Al's day, that'd get you badly hurt, killed, or worse. Al could get the most out of a car, and race side by side -- anywhere, on any kind of track. He could do it without breaking the unreliable (even fragile) cars of the time, and without crashing. That's a _real_ driver.
Sad news thoughts and prayers to the family, rip al unser
First Bobby and now Al?
R.I.P Big Al 😭
Hoping Al was there to pick up Demariyus Thomas at the Pearly Gates. Tough day being an IndyCar fan and a Broncos fan.
❤😪
One of the "TRUE GOAT'S" is The Great "Big Al Unser"
As Great a Racecar driver as he was, for my money he is the single most underrated Great in history! I always felt that he was also the Smartest Indycar driver ever. If the team gave him a good car, he Won & usually with ease, but also, if the car wasn't right, then he just took what the car would give & no more, that is SMART!
For all his Greatness in a Racecar, he was even Greater outside of the car!
He & his equally Great brother Bobby, were both World-Class driver's, and World-Class Human being's.
RIP to my now former neighbors, The Amazing Unser Brother's, the memory of both shall live on forever, as they are BOTH HERO'S & LEGEND'S 🙏
Hero's & Legend's both 🙏
I hope Jr. is doing okay. I know he was going through a rough time.
talked to a good mate a few months back, he said he's doing good.
Flat out around an oval like that in 1987 in a car like that one means something in itself....
I'll see ya soon old friend...
RIP Al. 1:59 that looks like a PC6 (like Mears ‘79) rather than the 78 Lola.
He’s probably already slotting in behind Fangio, Senna, Jesus and the rest, not really taking it easy in his first race.
RIP Big Al