Bobby Unser (1968, 1975, 1981)

The unsung hero of the Unser family, Bobby Unser (brother of Al Unser, uncle of Al Unser, Jr.), had his own great success in the Indianapolis 500. He made 19 career starts, winning three times, including in his last race in 1981. He started on the front row an amazing 9 times, and finished in the top ten 9 times as well. Such a great competitor, it was sad to see his career end with such controversy.

But that's sometimes just what Indy is.


Bobby Unser became the first of the great Unser family to win the Indy 500 when he drove to Victory Lane in 1968. With a damaged transmission, he is unable to get back up to speed after his last pit stop on lap 166. He relinquishes the lead, falling behind Lloyd Ruby and Joe Leonard. He would get some help, however, as Ruby's engine misfires eight laps later, putting him out of contention. Then, with 10 laps to go on a restart, a turbine flameout takes Leonard out of the race. Unser zooms by into first place and cruises to a 54 second victory.

With larger rear wings allowed in the 1972 race, speeds around the speedway soar. When pole day comes around, Unser is the one at top, as was expected. He averaged 195.940 mph, over 17 mph faster than the previous record, by far the biggest jump in history. Race day spelled trouble for Unser, though. On lap 31 he coasts into the pits with engine failure, and the speedy Offy is out of commission.

Unser's 1975 race came as the result of perfect timing. On lap 164, leader Johnny Rutherford enters the pits for a scheduled pit stop, and Unser inherits the lead. Seven laps later on lap 171, the yellow flag comes out as light rain begins to fall around the speedway. Both Unser and Rutherford make quick splash-and-go pit stops to have enough fuel for the finish. It was a finish that would not occur. On lap 174, the sky opens in a sudden downpour, bringing out the red and checkered flags. Unser only led 10 laps in the rain-shortened race.

Controversy will always be associated with the 1981 Indy 500. Unser has been in control for most of the race with Mario Andretti nipping at his heels. On lap 149, both drivers pitted under yellow. They leave the pits at the same time, but instead of merging with traffic as they return to the track, Unser passes several cars before getting into line. Similarly, second-place Andretti passes two.

Unser leads by 14 seconds with just seven laps left, and he eases his way toward the checkered flag, winning over Andretti by five seconds (the second-closest finish to date). However, the race truly is not over.

The next morning, the papers show Andretti as the winner. The USAC penalizes Unser one lap for passing cars under yellow. Unser's team owner, Roger Penske, appeals the ruling. It is not until October that a final verdict is given. As the result of a split decision, board members voted to rescind the one-lap penalty and instead fine Unser $40,000. The controversy and financial impact (beyond the $40,000 fine, Unser claimed he lost over $1 million in endorsements as the 500 winner) caused Unser to retire on top after the 1981 race.

Could he have won more? Absolutely. Will we know for sure? Absolutely not. Did he truly win even in 1981? Some say yes, some say no. But, again, that's Indianapolis for you: nothing is ever certain.