Bobby Unser

Robert William "Bobby" Unser (February 20, 1934 - May 2, 2021) was an American racing legend whose name became synonymous with Indianapolis 500 excellence and the Unser family racing dynasty. Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Bobby was part of one of motorsports' most celebrated families, helping establish the Unser name as royalty in American racing.

When Bobby was just one year old, his family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico—the city that would become forever associated with the Unser racing dynasty. Bobby began racing in 1949 at the tender age of 15, competing in a Modified at Roswell Speedway. By 1950, still only 15 years old, he won his first championship in Southwest Modified Stock Cars, displaying the natural talent that would define his career.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1955, Bobby and his brothers Jerry and Al decided to pursue racing careers in United States Auto Club (USAC) competition, setting the stage for decades of Unser family dominance in American motorsports.

Bobby Unser's Indianapolis 500 record stands among the greatest in the race's history. He won the Indianapolis 500 three times—in 1968, 1975, and 1981—joining an exclusive club of only ten drivers to achieve three or more victories at the Brickyard. More remarkably, he was the first of only two drivers (followed by Rick Mears) to win the 500 in three different decades, showcasing extraordinary longevity at the sport's highest level.

His 1968 Indianapolis 500 victory was historic: Unser became the first driver to race at over 170 miles per hour at Indianapolis, setting new standards for speed at the legendary track. In 1975, he captured his second victory in a rain-shortened race. His third win in 1981 became one of the most controversial finishes in Indy 500 history.

The 1981 Indianapolis 500 saw Unser cross the finish line first by 5.18 seconds over Mario Andretti, but the following morning, race officials stripped him of the victory and awarded it to Andretti, citing a rules infraction. Unser and team owner Roger Penske launched a protest and lawsuit that lasted five months. In October 1981, after extensive legal proceedings, Unser was officially re-awarded the victory, confirming his place in the record books.

Beyond Indianapolis, Bobby Unser won the USAC National Championships in 1968 and 1974. His 1968 championship was particularly memorable, as he won five races and edged Mario Andretti by a mere 11 points in one of the closest championship battles in USAC history.

Perhaps no venue showcased Bobby Unser's mastery more than Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He won the overall title an astounding 10 times, with 13 total victories when including class wins. He set new track records eight times and leads the all-time Pikes Peak champion's list, a testament to his extraordinary car control and versatility.

At his induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1994, Bobby had accumulated 35 IndyCar Series wins, ranking fourth all-time behind his brother Al, A.J. Foyt, and Mario Andretti. The Unser family collectively won the Indianapolis 500 a record nine times, with Bobby and Al becoming the only brothers in history to both win the race.

After retiring from driving, Bobby remained active in motorsports as a television commentator, sharing his knowledge and passion for racing with new generations of fans. He passed away at his New Mexico home on May 2, 2021, at age 87, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of speed, skill, and the indomitable Unser family spirit.