Welcome to our monthlong countdown celebrating notable drivers and cars from the Indianapolis 500!
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Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway/Penske Entertainment Al Unser started third and finished third in the 1977 Indianapolis 500. |
1977 was Al
Unser’s last year with the Vel’s Parnelli Jones team, an association that dated
back to 1969. (Unser missed Indianapolis that year after breaking a leg in a
motorcycle mishap in the Speedway infield, then returned to win the next two
500s.)
As the 1970s went on, the team wasn't as dominant, then began a renaissance as development on the then-new Cosworth engine started to pay off.
In 1975, Unser and teammate Mario Andretti practiced in a new chassis built for the Cosworth before opting for the proven Eagle/Offy combination. In 1976, Unser put the first Cosworth in the 500, starting fourth and ending up seventh in the rain-shortened race.
In 1977, Unser did a little better, starting third and finishing third. For many drivers, such a result would be a career highlight, but for Unser at Indianapolis, it was just another day at the track. In addition to his record-tying four victories, Big Al had an additional SEVEN top-three finishes in 27 Indianapolis 500 starts!
Unser retired as the all-time lap leader in the 500 at 644, which has since been surpassed by Scott Dixon.
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