Race Weekend Central

Al Unser to Be Honored at Legends Day at Indy in May

Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser will be honored by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Firestone during the 45th anniversary of his first 500 win at “Legends Day Honoring Al Unser presented by Firestone” on Saturday, May 23.

Unser, who won the race in 1970, 1971, 1978, ad 1987 will be recognized during the Public Driver’s Meeting and will participate in a question and answer session with fans. There will also be time during the session for autographs.

“Fifty years ago I arrived at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a rookie, drove for some remarkable teams, raced with my son and brother, drank the milk and my life was forever changed by this special place,” said Unser. “I am honored to be named the 2015 Legend and look forward to seeing the race fans and being a part of the events leading up to the spectacular annual Indy 500 Race.”

In addition to his four wins, Unser holds several other records, including most laps led (644) in 27 Indy 500 starts, longest span between first and last victories at 17 years, and oldest driver to win the race at 47 years, 360 days in 1987. He is also one of only five drivers to win two consecutive Indy 500s.

Unser’s 39 career victories put him fourth on the all-time IndyCar wins list, just ahead of his brother Bobby and son, Al Unser, Jr. He is tied with A.J. Foyt for most wins during a single Indy Car season with 10 wins in 1972.

In addition to the Public Driver’s Meeting, Legends Day features autograph sessions with the 33 drivers in the starting field and former Indy 500 drivers, a memorabilia show and is headlined by a concert featuring an artist that will be announced later.

About the author

A writer for Frontstretch since 2002, and editor since 2006, Toni heads up the NHRA coverage for the site. She’s responsible for post-race coverage in the weekly Pace Laps multi-series round-up along with the weekly Nitro Shots column featuring news and features from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. An award-winning former writer for the Presbyterian Church, Toni works in web design and freelances with writing in North Carolina.

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