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Penske Entertainment/Indianapolis Motor Speedway The future of design is seen in Al Unser's car for the 1977 Indianapolis 500. |
Welcome to our monthlong countdown
celebrating notable drivers and cars from the 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 been surpassed by Scott Dixon.
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