Three-time Indy 500 winner Bobby Unser dies at 87
Bobby Unser, a three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, died Sunday. He was 87.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway said Unser passed away from natural causes at his home in Albuquerque.
Unser won “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 1968, 1975 and 1981. He had a total of 10 top-10 finishes in 19 career starts at The 500.
“Bobby was a ferocious competitor on the track, and his larger-than-life personality made him one of the most beloved and unique racers we have ever seen,’' said Roger Penske, the owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said.
“Beyond his many wins and accomplishments, Bobby was a true racer that raised the performance of everyone around him. He was also one of the most colorful characters in motorsports.”
Unser was born Feb. 20, 1934, in Colorado Springs though the family moved to New Mexico soon after. His father operated a garage and Unser and his siblings got an early start in learning to drive.
He was one of just 10 drivers to win the 500 at least three times, and Unser and Rick Mears are the only drivers to win the 500 in three different decades. Unser was one of six members of the Unser family to race in the Indianapolis 500. His brother, Al Unser Jr. won the race four times. The two are the only pair of brothers to have won the race.
Unser won 35 total races during his career.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa; sons Bobby Jr. and Robby; and daughters Cindy and Jeri.
With News Wire Services
