Unser, Bobby (1934—)
Unser, Bobby (1934—)
The Unser family has produced many superb race-car drivers, amongst them Bobby Unser, who recorded 35 Indy car victories and two United States Auto Club (USAC) national driving championships over his 32-year career.
Robert William Unser was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 20, 1934 and began racing at the age of fifteen. The dream of most race-car drivers at the time was to drive in the Indianapolis 500; Unser won at Indianapolis in 1968, 1975, and 1981. In addition to Indy cars, he claimed victories in sprint cars, stock cars, and midget racers. After retirement he won USAC's Fast Masters Tournament for drivers over the age of 50.
During the height of his career, race cars and other toys were marketed with his name. In the 1990s, Unser worked for ABC Sports and was one of the most respected color commentators for the sport of motor racing.
—James H. Lloyd
Further Reading:
Bentley, Karen. The Unsers. Broomall, Pennsylvania, Chelsea House, 1996.
Scalzo, Joe, and Bobby Unser. The Bobby Unser Story. Garden City, New York, Doubleday, 1979.
Walker, Mark H. Official ABC Sports Indy Racing: Road to the Indianapolis 500 Official Strategies and Secrets. San Francisco, Sybex, 1998.