By Paul Kelly | Published: May 3, 2021
Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser, one of the most colorful, outspoken and popular drivers in the history of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” died Sunday, May 2 at his New Mexico home. He was 87.
Unser won the Indianapolis 500 in 1968, 1975 and 1981. He is one of just 10 drivers to win the “500” at least three times and is a member of numerous motorsports Halls of Fame, including induction into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in 1990. Unser and Rick Mears are the only drivers to win the “500” in three different decades.
He was one of six members of the Unser family to race in the Indianapolis 500. Bobby and his brother Al, a four-time winner, are the only brothers to win the race.
Andretti said Monday that Unser was colorful, very outgoing and just a fun-loving guy. Believe me, Bobby lived a full life. That’s the one thing that is very comforting to think about, he said. And to realize that he didn’t miss very much.
Bobby Unser in the Coke lot
Never short on speed or opinions, Unser spoke his mind and didn’t care whether those around agreed with what he was saying. Whether it was another driver, a national television audience, podcasters or even federal authorities, Unser spared nobody, having never found a microphone he didn t like.
That was partly why so many loved him.
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