You Have to Ask Why ?
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. will end a two-year retirement and drive at Indy for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. He’ll also participate in Indy Racing League tests at the Speedway next month.“The past is the past,” Unser said on Tuesday. “There was a time there I wasn’t loving what I was doing. Since I got out of the car, I’ve gotten into a real estate partnership, played some golf, picked up tennis, and it’s just not doing it for me.
Unser’s professed love of Indy (“The Indy 500 is my true love”) aside, you have to ask why?
Auto Racing, like many sports, are an addiction hard to break (Ask Darrel Waltrip) even at Unser’s age of 43. You have to wonder if the attraction of adding a third Indy 500 victory to his and the families trophy case (in addition to Al Sr. who won at Indy four times and uncle Bobby won three times) is behind his decision.
Another question that needs to be asked is whether Tony George did a little arm twisting hoping Unser would add more “star quality” to a series that has fallen on hard times?
Regardless of the motivation behind it, Al Unser Jr. is certainly a welcome addition to the May classic and everyone here at Full Throttle wishes him well.
IRL, Al Unser Jr, IndyCar, Tony George, Indy 500, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle
With the resurrection of Michael Andretti and Eddie Cheever comes talk of possibly Arie Luyendijk making a return. Obviously TG needs drivers and the PR these names generate.
Of all the “Old Guard” drivers attempting come backs at Indy, I think Little Al has the only valid reasons. First off he’s relatively young enough, second he’s a demonstrated winner, third and most importantly he deserves a chance at clearing the cloud over his name and reputation, considering the way he had to retire.
Everyone who makes a legitimate attempt at straightening out one’s problems should have a chance at redemption. I’m only hoping he’s done that and doesn’t further embarrass himself. And that he’s quick enough behind the wheel.
Good luck Al, beat those Andretti’s one more time!
With all the “old folks” making a return to Indy… I wonder.
Calling this years Indy 500 “historic” could have more than one meaning!
Maybe they should apply a “senior discount” to these guys and let them run 498 miles instead of 500!
Is there such a thing as “senior citizen” parking?
If so, wouldn’t that give these guys the best available pit boxes?