Bobby Unser: Legendary Racing Icon and Three-Time Indy 500 Champion
Bobby Unser was one of racing’s true legends, a name synonymous with speed and tenacity on the track. As a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner (1968, 1975, and 1981), Unser established himself as one of only ten drivers in history to capture victory at the Brickyard at least three times. His achievements weren’t limited to Indianapolis, though. Born February 20, 1934, Unser was part of a racing dynasty that helped shape American motorsport for generations.
The late racing icon, who passed away on May 2, 2021, at age 87, came from a family of drivers and built a career marked by both triumph and controversy. Perhaps most telling of his determined character was a harrowing incident where he became lost in a blizzard while snowmobiling, suffering dehydration and frostbite that required hospitalization. That same grit defined his racing style, earning him induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the respect of competitors throughout his storied career.
Early Life and Background
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Robert William “Bobby” Unser was born February 20, 1934, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He later became one of racing’s most accomplished drivers, but his story begins with humble roots.
Racing was in the Unser blood from the start. Bobby grew up in a family where speed wasn’t just a passion—it was practically genetic. His brothers Al and Jerry also became racers, creating what would become one of motorsport’s most legendary families.
The Unsers moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, which became Bobby’s lifelong home base. The southwestern landscape, with its challenging terrain and high altitude, proved to be the perfect training ground for the young driver.
Bobby’s racing career started remarkably early. At just 15 years old, he won New Mexico’s state racing title, then repeated the achievement the following year. These early victories hinted at the extraordinary career that would follow.
Before conquering the Indianapolis 500, Unser cut his teeth driving modified stock cars around Albuquerque. The regional racing scene of the 1950s was raw and dangerous—perfect for developing the fearless driving style that would become his trademark.
His early career wasn’t limited to asphalt. Bobby also made his mark in hill climb events, particularly at Pike’s Peak, where the Unser family would eventually become synonymous with the dangerous mountain race.
This foundation in diverse racing disciplines—from dirt tracks to mountain roads—gave Bobby a versatility that few drivers could match.
Racing Career Highlights
Bobby Unser’s racing legacy stands as one of the most impressive in motorsport history. His career spanned three decades and included numerous championships across different racing disciplines, establishing him as one of the most versatile and skilled drivers of his era.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
The Pikes Peak Hill Climb became practically synonymous with the Unser name, and Bobby dominated the mountain like few others. He conquered the treacherous 12.42-mile course a stunning 13 times between 1956 and 1986, earning him the nickname “King of the Mountain.”
His first victory came in 1956 in the Stock Car class, marking the beginning of a remarkable dynasty. Bobby set multiple course records during his reign, often racing against his equally talented brothers Al and Jerry.
What made his Pikes Peak achievements particularly impressive was his ability to master the unpredictable conditions. The course, featuring 156 turns and climbing 4,720 feet to the 14,110-foot summit, presented unique challenges including rapidly changing weather and dangerous drop-offs.
Indianapolis 500 Achievements
Bobby Unser claimed three Indianapolis 500 victories across three different decades (1968, 1975, and 1981), putting him in an elite group of Indy legends. His first win came driving a turbocharged Offenhauser-powered Eagle chassis for car owner Dan Gurney.
His 1975 triumph showcased his adaptability, winning in a Drake-Offenhauser while his controversial 1981 victory—initially awarded to Mario Andretti before being reversed—demonstrated his tenacity and competitive spirit.
Bobby Unser’s Indy 500 Record:
| Year | Car | Team | Average Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Eagle-Offy | Leader Cards | 152.882 mph |
| 1975 | Eagle-Offy | All American Racers | 149.213 mph |
| 1981 | Penske PC-9B | Team Penske | 139.084 mph |
Bobby also secured pole position at Indianapolis four times, showcasing his exceptional qualifying abilities at the Brickyard.
Notable Wins and Records
Beyond Pikes Peak and Indianapolis, Unser amassed an incredible 35 career IndyCar victories and two USAC National Championships (1968 and 1974). His versatility was evident in his success across multiple racing formats.
He was the first driver to achieve 190 mph at Indianapolis, consistently pushing the boundaries of speed. Bobby also claimed an IROC Championship, proving his ability to excel in equal equipment against top drivers from various disciplines.
At Phoenix Raceway, Unser was particularly dominant with six career wins. His success at Speedway Park and other venues demonstrated his adaptability to different track configurations.
Bobby’s racing innovations extended beyond driving technique—he was known for his mechanical knowledge and willingness to test unproven technologies, helping advance racing engineering throughout his career.
Teams and Collaboration
Bobby Unser’s racing career was defined by his remarkable partnerships with elite racing teams and his complex relationships with competitors and family members in the racing world.
Relationship with Mario Andretti
Bobby Unser and Mario Andretti shared one of racing’s most famous rivalries, particularly highlighted in the controversial 1981 Indianapolis 500. Unser initially won the race for Team Penske, but was later penalized for passing cars during a caution period, giving the victory to Andretti.
The decision was reversed months later, reinstating Unser as champion. This back-and-forth created lasting tension between the two racing legends.
Despite their rivalry, both men maintained professional respect for each other’s driving abilities. Unser and Andretti competed during the same era but took different paths – Unser focusing primarily on American racing while Andretti pursued international Formula One success.
Their contrasting personalities – Unser’s straightforward, sometimes brash approach versus Andretti’s more diplomatic style – made them fascinating counterpoints in racing history.
Shell reinish
Behind the Big Wheel stories
Unser Family Legacy
The Unser family represents American racing royalty, with Bobby being a central figure in this extraordinary dynasty. Bobby, alongside his brother Al (a four-time Indy winner), established the Unser name as synonymous with racing excellence.
Bobby’s collaboration with his nephew Al Unser Jr. further cemented the family’s racing heritage. The two frequently shared technical knowledge and racing insights despite competing in different eras.
Bobby’s racing DNA influenced multiple generations. While driving for teams like Dan Gurney’s outfit until 1979 and later Team Penske, Bobby developed a reputation for technical innovation and feedback.
The Unser family’s collective experience at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is unmatched, with a combined nine Indy 500 victories between Bobby, Al, and Al Jr. Their collaborative approach to racing knowledge, while maintaining individual competitive spirits, created an unprecedented family racing legacy.
Technical Aspects of Unser’s Success
Bobby Unser’s racing dominance wasn’t just about driving skill—it stemmed from his deep technical understanding and willingness to push engineering boundaries. His mechanical knowledge and innovative approach created winning advantages that many competitors simply couldn’t match.
Signature Cars and Engines
Bobby Unser’s technical brilliance shined through his work with distinctive powerplants throughout his career. The Novi engines he ran for Andy Granatelli from 1963-1965 represented some of the most powerful—and temperamental—technology on the track. These supercharged engines produced tremendous horsepower but required Unser’s mechanical sympathy to extract their potential.
Perhaps his most significant technical contribution came in 1971 when he challenged Dan Gurney to improve his USAC car’s performance. This collaboration led to the development of the “Gurney flap,” a small lip added to the trailing edge of wings that dramatically increased downforce with minimal drag penalty—a device still used in motorsports today.
Unser wasn’t just a driver but a true inventor and collaborator. His engineering mindset showed in his early days when he went from “collecting parts to building his own race car as a teenager,” demonstrating the hands-on technical approach that would define his career.
His three Indianapolis 500 victories—each in different decades (1968, 1975, 1981)—came in very different machines, showcasing his ability to adapt to evolving technology while helping teams optimize their packages for maximum performance.
Media and Broadcasting Career
After hanging up his racing helmet, Bobby Unser transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, bringing his racing expertise to television audiences. His straightforward analysis and deep knowledge of the sport made him a valuable voice in IndyCar coverage across multiple networks.
Career as a Color Commentator
Bobby Unser’s broadcasting journey began shortly after his retirement from racing in 1981, launching what would become a twenty-year career in the broadcast booth. His transition was natural – few understood the intricacies of motorsport better than a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner.
Unser worked for several major networks during his broadcasting tenure. He served as an analyst for NBC, ABC, and ESPN for IndyCar races, bringing technical expertise and insider perspective to viewers. His commentary was particularly valued during Indianapolis 500 broadcasts, where his firsthand knowledge of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway proved invaluable.
In later years, Unser also contributed his analysis to Canadian television broadcasts as a color commentator. His straightforward, no-nonsense approach to race analysis reflected his racing style – direct and uncompromising.
Personal Life
Behind the wheel of his race cars, Bobby Unser was a fierce competitor. However, his personal life revealed a man dedicated to family and filled with humor.
Bobby came from a racing dynasty, and his brother Al Unser also achieved fame as a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner. The Unser racing genes ran deep in the family.
His family life included his wife Lisa, who was by his side until his passing. Bobby was a father to four children: sons Bobby Jr. and Robby, and daughters Cindy and Jeri.
Before his racing career took off, Bobby served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force. This military background perhaps contributed to the discipline that would later help him on the track.
Those who knew him personally often speak of his quick wit and sense of humor. Bobby led a full life that was happy and humor-filled, qualities that endeared him to fans and fellow racers alike.
When not racing, Bobby was known to be a perfectionist who “honed his skills in most everything he tried.” This attention to detail served him well both on and off the track.
Bobby Unser passed away on May 2, 2021, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy not just in motorsports but as a beloved family man.
Legacy and Impact on Racing
Bobby Unser’s name is etched permanently in racing history. His career wasn’t just about winning races; it was about redefining what was possible behind the wheel.
As a member of the legendary Unser racing family, Bobby helped create an unmatched legacy at the Indianapolis 500. The Unsers collectively won the prestigious race nine times—nearly one out of every 11 Indy 500s ever held.
Bobby’s personal achievements stand tall even within this impressive family tradition:
| Bobby Unser’s Racing Milestones | |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis 500 wins | 3 (1968, 1975, 1981) |
| National Indy car championships | 2 |
| Pikes Peak Hill Climb victories | 10 |
| Career Indy car wins | 35 |
His engineering mind set him apart. Bobby wasn’t just fast; he understood the mechanical aspects of his vehicles. He worked closely with teams to maximize performance—a practice that became standard for modern drivers.
The 1981 Indianapolis 500 controversy showcased his tenacity and fighting spirit—traits that defined his approach to racing. He was first stripped of his victory and then reinstated months later.
Beyond his driving career, Unser’s transition to broadcasting brought his technical knowledge and straightforward analysis to television audiences. He educated a new generation of fans about the intricacies of motorsport.
His innovations in racing techniques and vehicle setup continue to influence drivers today. Born into automobile racing, Bobby Unser transformed from a participant into an institution within the sport.
