Career Timeline of Al Unser Jr.: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Al Unser Jr. built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Al Unser Jr., nicknamed "Little Al," is a retired American racing driver, renowned for his success in Championship car racing. He secured two CART championships and achieved victory twice at the prestigious Indianapolis 500. Unser's career solidified his place as a prominent figure in motorsports history, carrying on the legacy of the Unser family in racing.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1969: Chevrolet Corvette driven

In 2014, Al Unser Jr. drove Peter Klutt's 1969 Chevrolet Corvette at the Indy Legends Charity Pro/Am race

1970: Camaro driven

In 2015, Al Unser Jr. raced the Speedway Motors' 1970 Camaro in Goodguys AutoCross competitions

1981: Super Vee title win

In 1981, Al Unser Jr. won the Super Vee title, marking a transition into road racing.

1982: Debut on the CART circuit

In 1982, Al Unser Jr. made his debut on the CART circuit, marking the start of his career in Championship car racing. His sister Debbie passed away this year in a dune buggy accident.

1982: Can-Am series championship win

In 1982, Al Unser Jr. won the Can-Am series championship, marking an early success in his career.

1982: Can-Am title win

In 1982, Al Unser Jr. won the Can-Am title, adding to his early career successes.

1983: Pikes Peak Hill Climb win

In 1983, Al Unser Jr. won the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, joining his great uncle, uncle, and father as winners of the event.

1985: Second in CART championship

In 1985, Al Unser Jr. finished second in the CART championship point standings, losing to his father by one point.

1985: First win in Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

In 1985, Al Unser Jr. won the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at Long Beach

1986: Fourth in CART point standings

In 1986, Al Unser Jr. finished fourth in the CART point standings, showing continuous improvement in the series.

1986: IROC championship win and first 24 Hours of Daytona win

In 1986, Al Unser Jr. won the IROC championship with two victories in four races, becoming the youngest IROC champion ever at age 24. He also won the 24 Hours of Daytona for the first time at the age of 24.

1987: Third in CART point standings

In 1987, Al Unser Jr. finished third in the CART point standings.

1987: Second 24 Hours of Daytona win

In 1987, Al Unser Jr. won the 24 Hours of Daytona for the second time.

1988: Second in CART point standings

In 1988, Al Unser Jr. finished second in the CART point standings, continuing his ascent in the series.

1988: Second IROC championship win

In 1988, Al Unser Jr. secured his second IROC championship, marking the final time an IndyCar driver won an IROC championship.

1989: Indianapolis 500 near win

In 1989, Al Unser Jr. was close to winning his first Indianapolis 500 but spun after touching wheels with Emerson Fittipaldi. He displayed sportsmanship by giving Fittipaldi a "thumbs up".

1990: First CART series win

In 1990, Al Unser Jr. secured his first CART series win.

1992: Indianapolis 500 win

In 1992, Al Unser Jr. won the Indianapolis 500, defeating Scott Goodyear by 0.043 seconds, which was the closest finish in the race's history.

1993: Daytona 500 Race

In 1993, Al Unser Jr. participated in the Daytona 500 for Hendrick Motorsports and finished 36th. He crashed late in the race with Kyle Petty and Bobby Hillin Jr.

1994: Second Indy 500 win and CART championship win

In 1994, Al Unser Jr. won his second Indy 500 with Penske Racing and secured his second CART championship. He won eight of 16 races and was named ABC's Wide World of Sports Athlete of the Year.

1995: Failed to qualify at Indianapolis and second place at CART championship

In 1995, Al Unser Jr., along with teammate Emerson Fittipaldi, failed to qualify at Indianapolis. This event contributed to his later struggles with alcoholism and marital issues. He finished second to Jacques Villeneuve in CART championship points in 1995.

1996: Fourth Place in CART

In 1996, Al Unser Jr. finished fourth in the CART championship, and had a chance to win until the end of the season.

1997: 13th Place in CART

In 1997, Al Unser Jr. ranked 13th in CART. He had to sit out two races after breaking his leg in the season-opener at Miami.

1998: 11th Place in CART

In 1998, Al Unser Jr. ranked 11th in CART.

1999: Penske Team switched chassis

During the 1999 season, Team Penske began using Lola chassis instead of the Penske chassis. At the end of the season, Unser and Penske parted ways.

1999: 21st Place in CART

In 1999, Al Unser Jr. ranked 21st in CART. His performance declined due to Penske team's struggles with their chassis, engines and tires.

2000: Joins Indy Racing League

In 2000, Al Unser Jr. left CART to join the Indy Racing League (IRL).

June 30, 2004: Retirement from racing

On June 30, 2004, Al Unser Jr. announced his retirement from racing after a 22nd-place finish in Richmond. He continued to be involved in racing as an adviser for Patrick Racing and a mentor for his son.

2006: Return to racing at Indianapolis 500

In 2006, Al Unser Jr. announced his return to racing to run the 2006 Indianapolis 500 with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. He qualified 27th but crashed during the race.

May 2007: Drives for A.J. Foyt in the 2007 Indianapolis 500

On May 2, 2007, Al Unser Jr. announced he would drive a car for racing legend A. J. Foyt in the 2007 Indianapolis 500, carrying the No. 50. He qualified in 25th starting position.

August 17, 2009: Announces plans for the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix

On August 17, 2009, Al Unser Jr., as part of the board of Baltimore Racing Development, helped announce plans for the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix.

2009: IndyCar career over and Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race win

During the race weekend of the 2009 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Al Unser Jr. confirmed his IndyCar career was over. He returned to the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race and scored his second win in the event and his eighth Long Beach victory overall.

2010: Starts Race Clinic for Paralysis charity

In 2010, Al Unser Jr. started the Race Clinic for Paralysis charity.

2013: Sixth-most all-time in American open-wheel racing

As of 2013, Al Unser Jr.'s career win total (34 races) is the sixth-most all-time in American open-wheel racing. He had a decorated career as one of the most successful drivers in American auto racing.

2013: Sportscar race at Thunderhill Raceway Park

In 2013, Al Unser Jr. entered the 25 Hours of Thunderhill sportscar race with his son, Al III, as a teammate. They dominated the race until a crash by co-driver Ivan Bellarosa.

2014: Ninth Long Beach victory and Indy Legends Charity Pro/Am race win

In 2014, Al Unser Jr. participated in the Pro/Celebrity race at Long Beach, finishing fifth overall but winning the Pro Division for his ninth Long Beach victory. He also won the Indy Legends Charity Pro/Am race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Peter Klutt, driving Klutt's 1969 Chevrolet Corvette, becoming the second driver to win on both the oval and road course at the Speedway.

2015: Goodguys AutoCross competitions and SCCA Solo National Championship

In 2015, Al Unser Jr. participated in several Goodguys AutoCross competitions while racing Speedway Motors' 1970 Camaro. He placed second in his class at the Sports Car Club of America Solo National Championship and entered the 25 Hours of Thunderhill again.