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(fire roaring)
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(film reel ticking)
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("The Star Spangled Banner"
by John Stafford Smith)
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(crowd cheering)
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- [Announcer] Good afternoon
ladies and gentlemen.
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At the flying of our national anthem,
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we're ready to start
the Bobby Ball 150 miler
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here in Phoenix International Raceway
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and now for those famous words.
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- [Announcer] Gentlemen,
start you engines!
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(cars revving)
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- [Announcer] The cars
are beginning to move.
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Bobby Unser, outside
front row is away first.
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Followed by his brother
Al Unser on the fall.
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Right behind the three car
Indianapolis Motor AJ Foyt.
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Newcomer Swede Savage,
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veteran Lloyd Ruby, Johnny Rutherford
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and a total of 24 cars.
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Now moving around the
track behind the pace car.
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They'll be coming down for the
green flag in just a moment.
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Then it will be 150 laps
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of top racing by the finest race drivers
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and the fastest championship
cars in the world.
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There it is, they're on their way.
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(cars revving)
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At the end of the first lap,
it's Bobby Unser in front,
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Al Unser second and AJ
Foyt, end of current one,
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the field begins to spring up.
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There's a spin in turn two,
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no damage just some shaken nerves
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and black rubber on the track.
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Now a battle is shaping up
between the Unser brothers.
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They're running one two
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with Al pushing hard on
Bobby for the front spot.
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From the looks of things
this could be an Unser race
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all the way down to the finish.
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- In the history of Indy
500, one name reigns supreme
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and that is Unser, from
the late 50s to the 90s.
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Bobby and Al Unser have
dominated the motor racing world
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with their unique brand of
driving skill and determination.
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00:02:59,941 --> 00:03:04,908
- My love or maybe you
can say hate the Indy 500,
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started in 1968.
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00:03:09,631 --> 00:03:13,401
- Bobby Unser came from a
family of race-car drivers.
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He made a name for himself as
a driver who pushed himself
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and his cars to the limit.
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He drove fast and hard all the time,
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and has won numerous racing championships
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throughout his career,
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including three Indianapolis 500 titles.
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Never shy of the spotlight,
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Bobby Unser has also been
the center of controversy
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because of his opinions about what is fair
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and just both on and off the track.
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Robert William Unser,
better known as Bobby
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was born on February 20
1934, in Colorado Springs
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and at an early age he knew
that he was born to race.
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Bobby Unser's older Brother Jerry Junior
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became the first Unser race car champion.
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Winning the 1957 United States Auto Clubs
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Stock Car Championship
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before dying during practice
of the 1959 Indianapolis 500.
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Louis Unser, Bobby's other older brother
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started a racing career
but was later diagnosed
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with multiple sclerosis and
was unable to continue driving.
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This left racing open to
the two younger Unser boys.
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At age 16, Bobby Unser won his
first race at the Southwest
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Modified Stock Car Championship,
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which he won again the following year.
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His grandfather, Louis Unser
was a mechanic whose three sons
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were the first to ride up
Pikes Peak, a 14,110 foot
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high mountain on the edge of
the Great Plains in the 1920s.
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This was the first race
of what would become
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an annual tradition for the Unsers.
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Only the Unser boys made it to the top.
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This was the start of
the Unsers domination
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of that very mountain.
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(dramatic music)
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Al Unser, younger brother
to Bobby is the most
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successful racer in the history
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of the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway.
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During his three decade career
Al Unser had four first place
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finishes, three second, four
third, one fourth, a fifth
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and two other top 10 places.
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This is a racing dynasty
that were born to race.
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- I was 17 when my father let me race.
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I started with modified
stock cars before my father
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start let me race with real race cars
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like my brother Bobby was.
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(dramatic music)
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(cars revving)
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(tires screeching)
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00:06:04,081 --> 00:06:06,184
- This is Speedway Park in Albuquerque.
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Hometown tracks like this, is
where most great race drivers
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began their professional racing career.
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And this is the Ontario Motor Speedway,
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home of the California 500.
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Hi, I'm Roger Ward, and I've been a driver
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of championship race cars
for a long, long time.
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I'm retired now, and
probably as just as well,
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considering the caliber
of race drivers today.
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They're intelligent and tough.
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And lately, the toughest of them all
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have been the Unsers
brother, Bobby and Al.
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I've been following the Unsers story
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ever since young Gary Jr.
came up to the old brick yard
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in Indianapolis in 1958.
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(car revving)
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(tires screeching)
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We remember his tragic
death in a practice run
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at the Speedway the following year.
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I remember the courage of the family.
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And I know of the brave
vow taken by his brothers
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to win for Jerry.
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And I know of their record, since then.
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They have been phenomenal.
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- Running against the clock
is an old story to the Unsers.
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They have been doing it
almost since the first day
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that an automobile dirt
track was open up at the top
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of Pikes Peak near
Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Many people in this area
refer to it as Unser Mountain
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because of the amount of times
an Unser has won the race.
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It is one of the oldest automobile races
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in the history of the US.
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In fact, it is second only
to the Indianapolis 500.
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- [Announcer] Pikes Peak or
bust, here's the entrance
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to the long road of Pikes Peak Colorado.
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Where thousands are thrilled
yearly by a 12 mile race
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that takes the stark and
heart out of everybody
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but a champion.
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There's the start, 12 miles of grueling,
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skidding heartbreaking climb.
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No smooth, wide track,
no bank curves here.
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You take that dust and dirt
and bumps and hairpin twists
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as they come if you can.
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00:08:08,461 --> 00:08:11,211
If not, you're liable to
crash a few hundred feet down
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00:08:11,211 --> 00:08:13,641
to a very dry Davy Jones locker.
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All tires are champion equipped.
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Here again a champion with
champion this top the top.
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(car revving)
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There he is Louie Unser,
under the flag for the second
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consecutive year, time 16
minute one 810 seconds boy!
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- [Host] Unsers have been winning here
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almost since its inception.
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And the Unser who has won
it more times than any other
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is Bobby Unser, with 13 wins.
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On one occasion in 1969,
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he raced a Ford Torno stock car and won.
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- Most of my races at Pikes Peak had been
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in the racing cars, not stock cars.
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But in the late 60s they started to bring
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00:09:02,351 --> 00:09:04,064
back the stock car division.
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I was down to Daytona at the time
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and I run into Bucky Knutson,
the president of Ford.
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And he told me that he wanted
to speed record at Pikes Peak
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and he asked me to get it for him.
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I decided that 69 Ford Torino,
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which was gonna be specially
built for the run on June 29th.
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The car was built by the
team of Holman and Moody
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00:09:36,711 --> 00:09:37,961
of Bill Stroppe Racing
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and compared to a traditional stock car,
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the 69 Torino Cobra was lower
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and leaner than the street version.
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The lights, the mirrors, the trims
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and any other non essentials were removed.
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The chassis is stock car design
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that's been beefed up for racing.
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For strength we had a steel strapped
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to strengthen the wheel axle housing.
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00:10:06,111 --> 00:10:08,831
But the power of the Torino came from
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that big old Boss Ford 29
V8 which was hand built
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by the legendary Smokey Yunick.
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00:10:16,947 --> 00:10:19,530
(upbeat music)
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- The car is a 1969 Ford Torino,
Talladega bodied stock car,
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00:10:28,251 --> 00:10:31,321
and it was built specifically
for the run of Pikes Peak
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on June 29 of 1969.
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The car was built by the
team of Holman and Moody
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00:10:36,831 --> 00:10:40,501
and Bill Stroppe Racing and
compared to a stock 69 Torino
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Cobra, it's obvious to
see the race car is lower
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00:10:43,901 --> 00:10:45,901
and leaner than the street version.
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With subtle aero mods all over the car.
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The lights, mirrors, trim
and other non necessities
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00:10:52,491 --> 00:10:55,111
were removed and the
bumpers were tucked in
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for a sleeker profile.
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00:10:57,161 --> 00:11:00,241
The headlights were removed
in favor of cold air intakes
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00:11:00,241 --> 00:11:03,541
to cool the various fluid coolers on board
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00:11:03,541 --> 00:11:05,691
and a complete roll cage was installed
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00:11:05,691 --> 00:11:07,524
for stiffness and safety.
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00:11:08,431 --> 00:11:10,871
Toe-hooks and hood pins
appear in the front,
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00:11:10,871 --> 00:11:14,041
but the grill retains a
mostly stock appearance.
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00:11:14,041 --> 00:11:17,321
A small wing was added to
the rear deck for stability,
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00:11:17,321 --> 00:11:19,601
and the glass was replaced with plexi
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00:11:19,601 --> 00:11:22,741
and retained with straps and tabs.
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00:11:22,741 --> 00:11:25,471
Two small quarter vents
relieve air pressure
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and the rear bumper
features a smooth panel
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00:11:27,961 --> 00:11:30,661
with a license plate recess once was.
196
00:11:30,661 --> 00:11:32,381
The rocker panels are recessed
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00:11:32,381 --> 00:11:34,781
to accommodate the side exhaust.
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00:11:34,781 --> 00:11:38,651
You'll notice that this isn't
a perfectly restored show car
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00:11:38,651 --> 00:11:41,131
because it's mostly original
and it's still covered
200
00:11:41,131 --> 00:11:44,559
in stone chips from climbing the big hill.
201
00:11:44,559 --> 00:11:47,226
(upbeat music)
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00:11:56,171 --> 00:11:58,661
The chassis is primarily a stock design
203
00:11:58,661 --> 00:12:00,851
that has been beefed up for racing.
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00:12:00,851 --> 00:12:04,561
With a lowered front
suspension, high rate springs,
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00:12:04,561 --> 00:12:07,231
outboard mounted racing shock absorbers,
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00:12:07,231 --> 00:12:11,061
a larger sway bar and
reinforced strap rods.
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00:12:11,061 --> 00:12:14,811
Adjusters in the struts
allow for alignment tuning
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00:12:14,811 --> 00:12:17,761
and reinforcements were welded
into the lower control arms.
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00:12:18,811 --> 00:12:20,951
Skid plates protect the engine,
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00:12:20,951 --> 00:12:23,491
and certain part numbers contained X's.
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00:12:23,491 --> 00:12:25,621
These are experimental racing pieces,
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00:12:25,621 --> 00:12:27,821
but they still carry Ford part numbers.
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00:12:27,821 --> 00:12:30,441
The racing headers merge
into flat collectors
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00:12:30,441 --> 00:12:33,531
for ground clearance, and
the wheels are oversized
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00:12:33,531 --> 00:12:36,561
steel pieces with wide rubber up front
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00:12:36,561 --> 00:12:40,054
and Unser SPECT tread
and compound in the back.
217
00:12:42,121 --> 00:12:45,631
Rear Suspension exhibit some
classic hot rodding tricks,
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00:12:45,631 --> 00:12:48,951
including moving the stiffer
rear leaf springs in board
219
00:12:48,951 --> 00:12:51,241
to accommodate the larger tires.
220
00:12:51,241 --> 00:12:54,931
A steel strap strengthens the
nine inch rear axle housing
221
00:12:54,931 --> 00:12:58,691
and a narrowed steel fuel
cell feeds the beast,
222
00:12:58,691 --> 00:13:02,621
an arch tubular crossing not
only reinforces the chassis,
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00:13:02,621 --> 00:13:06,221
but also provides a raised
upper mount for the long travel
224
00:13:06,221 --> 00:13:07,711
rear racing shocks.
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00:13:07,711 --> 00:13:10,351
A pair of filtered rear axle breathers sit
226
00:13:10,351 --> 00:13:12,001
between the tubes.
227
00:13:12,001 --> 00:13:15,041
So overall, the chassis design
and execution are pretty
228
00:13:15,041 --> 00:13:18,031
basic, but they were
obviously very effective
229
00:13:18,031 --> 00:13:20,534
because this car did set
a record at Pikes Peak.
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00:13:25,251 --> 00:13:28,221
When he climbed in the car,
Unser was greeted with an array
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00:13:28,221 --> 00:13:29,901
of switches and gauges.
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00:13:29,901 --> 00:13:34,111
The switches control ignition,
pumps and cooling fans,
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00:13:34,111 --> 00:13:37,631
and the gauges readout RPM,
pressures and temperatures
234
00:13:37,631 --> 00:13:40,481
and note the backup set
of gauges in case the ride
235
00:13:40,481 --> 00:13:42,161
is rougher than expected,
236
00:13:42,161 --> 00:13:44,111
and the primaries is getting knocked out.
237
00:13:44,111 --> 00:13:47,311
A handwritten cheat sheet is
taped to the inside headliner,
238
00:13:47,311 --> 00:13:50,271
but we have no evidence
if it's authentic or not.
239
00:13:50,271 --> 00:13:52,561
The car has an automatic transmission,
240
00:13:52,561 --> 00:13:56,361
and we think the base of the
shifter is a Pontiac piece.
241
00:13:56,361 --> 00:13:57,851
But we didn't confirm that.
242
00:13:57,851 --> 00:14:00,601
Power comes from a Boss Ford 29 V8.
243
00:14:00,601 --> 00:14:04,851
That was hand built by the
legendary Smokey Yunick himself.
244
00:14:04,851 --> 00:14:08,111
Rumor has it that outside
of some regular maintenance,
245
00:14:08,111 --> 00:14:11,521
Smokey was probably the last
person to do any major work
246
00:14:11,521 --> 00:14:14,861
on this engine, and it's
still run strong today.
247
00:14:14,861 --> 00:14:16,781
Power numbers aren't readily known,
248
00:14:16,781 --> 00:14:19,681
but judging by the fact that
it's set a record at Pikes Peak
249
00:14:19,681 --> 00:14:22,224
we know this Boss-9 has what it takes.
250
00:14:24,151 --> 00:14:26,734
(upbeat music)
251
00:14:38,312 --> 00:14:40,812
(car revving)
252
00:15:01,336 --> 00:15:04,336
(suspenseful music)
253
00:15:13,061 --> 00:15:15,421
- What type of race is Pikes Peak?
254
00:15:15,421 --> 00:15:16,961
What's the attraction?
255
00:15:16,961 --> 00:15:20,071
With the camera on board
Bobby Unser's race car
256
00:15:20,071 --> 00:15:22,084
you can see for yourself.
257
00:15:32,238 --> 00:15:34,738
(engine revs)
258
00:16:22,421 --> 00:16:26,441
In 1955 Bobby Unser debuted at Pikes Peak,
259
00:16:26,441 --> 00:16:28,581
now dubbed Unser's Peak
260
00:16:28,581 --> 00:16:30,231
because of his family's history
261
00:16:30,231 --> 00:16:32,691
of success at the hill climb.
262
00:16:32,691 --> 00:16:36,151
He finished fifth that year
behind his two brothers.
263
00:16:36,151 --> 00:16:40,991
A year later, he won his first
of a record 13 championships.
264
00:16:40,991 --> 00:16:45,871
Bobby Unser won six streak
titles from 1958 to 1963.
265
00:16:46,821 --> 00:16:49,401
But his streak ended in 1964
266
00:16:49,401 --> 00:16:51,981
when his younger brother Al won the race.
267
00:16:51,981 --> 00:16:55,441
However, his sweetest victory Unser's Peak
268
00:16:55,441 --> 00:16:57,331
came 10 years later,
269
00:16:57,331 --> 00:17:01,071
when he tied his uncle's
record of nine wins.
270
00:17:01,071 --> 00:17:05,051
The Unser brothers raced at
Pikes Peak to beat each other,
271
00:17:05,051 --> 00:17:09,521
but most of all to beat
their uncle Louis's record.
272
00:17:09,521 --> 00:17:12,021
(engine revs)
273
00:17:31,242 --> 00:17:34,461
Because Bobby has done
so well at Pikes Peak,
274
00:17:34,461 --> 00:17:37,631
they now call him the
King of the Mountain.
275
00:17:37,631 --> 00:17:39,541
- What made them so competitive?
276
00:17:39,541 --> 00:17:42,181
What drives them to victory after victory?
277
00:17:42,181 --> 00:17:45,641
I think perhaps desire,
which stems from Pop Unser
278
00:17:45,641 --> 00:17:47,954
a very patient, but demanding teacher.
279
00:17:48,811 --> 00:17:51,864
- My father was a stern
man, but a fair man.
280
00:17:52,981 --> 00:17:54,074
He was kind.
281
00:17:55,441 --> 00:17:57,631
But he sure did have a mind of his own.
282
00:17:58,641 --> 00:18:00,901
When he wasn't given us driving lessons
283
00:18:00,901 --> 00:18:03,321
or teaching us about racing.
284
00:18:03,321 --> 00:18:05,834
My mother made sure we
were practicing our music.
285
00:18:07,431 --> 00:18:09,101
I can't believe that she got me to play
286
00:18:09,101 --> 00:18:11,844
that trumpet, even to this day.
287
00:18:13,881 --> 00:18:15,704
she was up against the stacked deck.
288
00:18:17,031 --> 00:18:19,521
I wasn't a bad trumpet player.
289
00:18:19,521 --> 00:18:20,401
With a little practice
290
00:18:20,401 --> 00:18:22,944
I'm sure I could probably
pick it up again.
291
00:18:25,011 --> 00:18:27,521
- My name is Marie Unser.
292
00:18:27,521 --> 00:18:30,701
I've been going to
auto-races most of my life.
293
00:18:30,701 --> 00:18:34,284
This is because all the men I
have ever loved were racers.
294
00:18:35,281 --> 00:18:38,991
I've had four sons, everyone a champion.
295
00:18:38,991 --> 00:18:42,251
Once I hope my boys might become doctors,
296
00:18:42,251 --> 00:18:44,891
lawyers or concert pianist.
297
00:18:44,891 --> 00:18:47,481
Having any of these dreams fulfilled
298
00:18:47,481 --> 00:18:50,341
would make almost any woman happy.
299
00:18:50,341 --> 00:18:54,901
But tell me, do you know any
mother who's had two sons
300
00:18:54,901 --> 00:18:58,021
in the winner's circle
it is the Indianapolis?
301
00:18:58,021 --> 00:19:03,021
Well, I had, then there is
Louis, he doesn't drive anymore,
302
00:19:04,431 --> 00:19:09,121
but he has worked his championship
in a spiritual triumph
303
00:19:09,121 --> 00:19:11,511
over a crippling disease.
304
00:19:11,511 --> 00:19:14,751
He designs and builds racing engines.
305
00:19:14,751 --> 00:19:18,624
His company is very well
known among racers everywhere.
306
00:19:19,561 --> 00:19:22,941
My fourth son was Jerry Junior.
307
00:19:22,941 --> 00:19:25,951
We lost him just as he
was rising to the top
308
00:19:25,951 --> 00:19:27,961
of his profession.
309
00:19:27,961 --> 00:19:31,251
He was trying for the
big prize when he died.
310
00:19:31,251 --> 00:19:33,921
But his passing was not in vain.
311
00:19:33,921 --> 00:19:36,644
He pointed the way for
his younger brothers.
312
00:19:37,821 --> 00:19:40,401
Then there was another man in my life.
313
00:19:40,401 --> 00:19:43,311
I met him a long time ago.
314
00:19:43,311 --> 00:19:48,311
He was the most persistent,
exasperating, self assured,
315
00:19:49,061 --> 00:19:51,961
hard headed man I ever knew,
316
00:19:51,961 --> 00:19:54,634
and I loved him with all my heart.
317
00:19:55,521 --> 00:19:58,571
He was the inspiration
behind all of this sons.
318
00:19:59,541 --> 00:20:01,604
All of my racing boys.
319
00:20:02,771 --> 00:20:05,001
- [Narrator] This is
Albuquerque, New Mexico,
320
00:20:05,001 --> 00:20:06,391
where the Unsers have lived
321
00:20:06,391 --> 00:20:09,861
since Pop Unser moved his
growing family in Colorado
322
00:20:09,861 --> 00:20:11,270
in the early 30s.
323
00:20:11,270 --> 00:20:14,353
(lighthearted music)
324
00:20:31,435 --> 00:20:34,371
There was less than 32,000
people here in those days.
325
00:20:34,371 --> 00:20:36,331
Now there's more than a third of a million
326
00:20:36,331 --> 00:20:37,581
in the Metropolitan area.
327
00:20:48,271 --> 00:20:52,281
- There is a racetrack of some
sorts in every sizable city
328
00:20:52,281 --> 00:20:54,041
within the United States.
329
00:20:54,041 --> 00:20:57,111
They are generally
operated by local people
330
00:20:57,111 --> 00:21:00,051
who love auto racing most of the time
331
00:21:00,051 --> 00:21:02,181
they barely make it pay.
332
00:21:02,181 --> 00:21:06,301
This one is unusual as it
started to national driving
333
00:21:06,301 --> 00:21:09,781
championships on their
way, Bobby and Al Unser.
334
00:21:09,781 --> 00:21:14,758
- My love or maybe you can
say my hate for the Indy 500
335
00:21:16,000 --> 00:21:17,333
started in 1968.
336
00:21:20,391 --> 00:21:22,831
- [Announcer] In 1967 the word
was out but those mechanical
337
00:21:22,831 --> 00:21:25,721
marvels, the turbine powered
racers would make obsolete
338
00:21:25,721 --> 00:21:27,804
the piston engines the office support.
339
00:21:29,199 --> 00:21:32,661
In 1968, three turbines made
the race and two of the three
340
00:21:32,661 --> 00:21:34,898
qualified for the choice
of starting positions.
341
00:21:34,898 --> 00:21:38,021
(swing music)
342
00:21:38,021 --> 00:21:40,431
It was Graham Hill who
smashed the record first
343
00:21:40,431 --> 00:21:43,434
for the top speed of 171.887.
344
00:21:45,271 --> 00:21:48,021
(crowd cheering)
345
00:21:52,201 --> 00:21:55,001
Then ex motorcycle champ
Joe Leonard turned the lap
346
00:21:55,001 --> 00:21:58,121
just a whisker under 172 miles an hour
347
00:21:58,121 --> 00:22:00,384
to win the pole position.
348
00:22:00,384 --> 00:22:02,541
(engine revs)
349
00:22:02,541 --> 00:22:04,911
The third man in the
front row was Bobby Unser
350
00:22:04,911 --> 00:22:06,901
of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
351
00:22:06,901 --> 00:22:10,291
He has won three straight
races to start the 1968 season,
352
00:22:10,291 --> 00:22:12,401
and he had a few plans of his own
353
00:22:12,401 --> 00:22:14,234
about this Indianapolis race.
354
00:22:17,053 --> 00:22:19,211
And qualifying for his
front row starting position,
355
00:22:19,211 --> 00:22:21,231
Bobby became the first driver in history
356
00:22:21,231 --> 00:22:24,421
to record an official 170 mile an hour lap
357
00:22:24,421 --> 00:22:27,271
at Indianapolis in a piston engine car.
358
00:22:27,271 --> 00:22:28,991
- [Announcer] Start your engines.
359
00:22:29,901 --> 00:22:32,734
(car engines rev)
360
00:22:47,049 --> 00:22:51,388
Mario Andretti has just
started in car number two.
361
00:22:55,512 --> 00:22:58,345
(engines revving)
362
00:23:15,501 --> 00:23:18,404
- I looked forward to this
day for quite some time.
363
00:23:19,331 --> 00:23:21,741
We knew what the turbines
were capable of doing
364
00:23:21,741 --> 00:23:25,721
but I had to find out if I
could take them and practice
365
00:23:25,721 --> 00:23:28,419
because they had more
speed on the straight
366
00:23:28,419 --> 00:23:30,169
than we could handle.
367
00:23:32,029 --> 00:23:33,265
- [Announcer] And the green flag is up.
368
00:23:33,265 --> 00:23:35,385
(cars revving)
369
00:23:35,385 --> 00:23:38,052
(upbeat music)
370
00:23:42,571 --> 00:23:45,990
Joe Leonard, Bobby Unser,
and Mario Andretti,
371
00:23:45,990 --> 00:23:49,111
shoulder to shoulder and Mario Andretti,
372
00:23:49,111 --> 00:23:53,517
hard response as Mario gets
through to the next turn.
373
00:23:53,517 --> 00:23:56,350
(engines revving)
374
00:24:08,886 --> 00:24:11,386
(tense music)
375
00:24:25,391 --> 00:24:28,081
- When it came to about the eighth lap,
376
00:24:28,081 --> 00:24:31,551
I was able to go ahead
and pass Joe Leonard.
377
00:24:31,551 --> 00:24:35,034
Finding out that if I
slipped up alongside him
378
00:24:35,034 --> 00:24:38,467
and get the revs up, I know I'm by him.
379
00:24:38,467 --> 00:24:43,111
And once I got by him, I knew
I could beat 'em and trap 'em.
380
00:24:43,111 --> 00:24:45,449
That's what kept me ahead
381
00:24:45,449 --> 00:24:47,599
and I went down and
made my first pit stop.
382
00:24:51,103 --> 00:24:53,936
(engines revving)
383
00:25:01,310 --> 00:25:03,481
- [Announcer] It's the
40th, Alan Tirpitz's
384
00:25:03,481 --> 00:25:06,901
new four wheel drive car and
starts back into the race,
385
00:25:06,901 --> 00:25:09,051
but flames back up
through the turbocharger
386
00:25:09,051 --> 00:25:10,601
and precious moments are lost.
387
00:25:10,601 --> 00:25:13,419
As George Vicnaughty, gets the fire out.
388
00:25:13,419 --> 00:25:14,758
(engines revving)
389
00:25:14,758 --> 00:25:17,425
(upbeat music)
390
00:25:19,090 --> 00:25:21,851
Then a lap later Al comes
down the main straightaway
391
00:25:21,851 --> 00:25:23,234
and heads for turn one.
392
00:25:29,071 --> 00:25:30,758
- [Announcer] Rated for the yellow Holman,
393
00:25:30,758 --> 00:25:32,008
they're in car number 24.
394
00:25:33,119 --> 00:25:34,374
(engines revving)
395
00:25:34,374 --> 00:25:37,041
(upbeat music)
396
00:25:46,542 --> 00:25:48,184
- By the 40th lap, my brother
Al, had gone into the wall.
397
00:25:52,381 --> 00:25:54,291
I was on the opposite side of the track,
398
00:25:54,291 --> 00:25:55,741
but I saw it what happen, so.
399
00:25:56,711 --> 00:26:00,151
Naturally when I saw
him sit up on the wall
400
00:26:00,151 --> 00:26:01,554
waving his arms at me,
401
00:26:03,031 --> 00:26:05,028
I know he was in good shape.
402
00:26:05,028 --> 00:26:07,611
(cars revving)
403
00:26:31,891 --> 00:26:33,511
- [Announcer] And now
Lloyd Ruby has the lead,
404
00:26:33,511 --> 00:26:35,734
Bobby is second, Leonard is third.
405
00:26:37,164 --> 00:26:39,914
(dramatic music)
406
00:26:46,027 --> 00:26:48,944
(tires screeching)
407
00:26:50,276 --> 00:26:51,728
Leonard's team mate
Graham Hill hits the wall
408
00:26:51,728 --> 00:26:54,328
and turn two, one turbine is out.
409
00:26:58,389 --> 00:27:01,281
- [Announcer] Graham hill is
out of the car and he is okay.
410
00:27:01,281 --> 00:27:03,864
Graham hill is out of the car and is okay.
411
00:27:07,781 --> 00:27:09,331
- [Announcer] The duel
between piston engine
412
00:27:09,331 --> 00:27:10,824
and turbine engine continue.
413
00:27:13,114 --> 00:27:15,947
(engines revving)
414
00:27:18,643 --> 00:27:19,661
(tires screeching)
415
00:27:19,661 --> 00:27:22,971
His first 500, his first accident.
416
00:27:22,971 --> 00:27:25,641
Bill Butkovich gets
acquainted with turn three.
417
00:27:25,641 --> 00:27:29,184
He's okay, the car is okay,
and he gets a restart.
418
00:27:30,821 --> 00:27:32,734
But Rutherford and Macklerie tangled.
419
00:27:34,921 --> 00:27:36,538
Mike Mosely spins into the in field
420
00:27:36,538 --> 00:27:39,221
and Bobby Unser has some
problems of his own.
421
00:27:39,221 --> 00:27:42,531
- On my third and last
trip to the pits I noticed
422
00:27:42,531 --> 00:27:44,011
I had only one gear working
423
00:27:44,011 --> 00:27:46,384
and then my turbos having problems.
424
00:27:47,571 --> 00:27:50,026
So I fell back in third place.
425
00:27:50,026 --> 00:27:52,776
(dramatic music)
426
00:28:04,045 --> 00:28:05,623
(car revving)
427
00:28:05,623 --> 00:28:07,751
- [Announcer] Then the bottom
drops out of Lloyd Ruby's
428
00:28:07,751 --> 00:28:11,201
world, he's forced into the
pits with ignition trouble.
429
00:28:11,201 --> 00:28:14,321
His crew replaces a coil
and six minutes 29 seconds
430
00:28:14,321 --> 00:28:16,352
of precious racing time.
431
00:28:16,352 --> 00:28:18,852
(car revving)
432
00:28:20,801 --> 00:28:23,508
Such a little thing to
cost a great team the race.
433
00:28:23,508 --> 00:28:26,258
(dramatic music)
434
00:28:27,681 --> 00:28:30,721
In the 181st lap, Carl
Williams puts the caution light
435
00:28:30,721 --> 00:28:32,061
on in the backstretch.
436
00:28:32,061 --> 00:28:34,701
There is a stubborn fire and
Leonard is locked in first
437
00:28:34,701 --> 00:28:37,781
place with Bobby Unser
and Gerny behind him.
438
00:28:37,781 --> 00:28:40,431
The caution light continues,
and it looks as though the race
439
00:28:40,431 --> 00:28:43,889
will finish under the yellow
with Leonard a certain victor.
440
00:28:43,889 --> 00:28:46,472
(cars revving)
441
00:28:50,781 --> 00:28:52,531
But the wreckage is towed away.
442
00:28:52,531 --> 00:28:55,908
At the start of the 192nd
lap, the green flag comes up
443
00:28:55,908 --> 00:28:57,891
and the incredible happens.
444
00:28:57,891 --> 00:29:00,971
Joe Leonard accelerates
but nothing happens.
445
00:29:00,971 --> 00:29:03,818
The turbine engine dies
and the car rolls to a stop
446
00:29:03,818 --> 00:29:07,721
and turn one as Bobby
Unser sweeps into the lead
447
00:29:07,721 --> 00:29:09,671
and heads for the checkered flag.
448
00:29:12,512 --> 00:29:15,909
- [Announcer] We got the signal just...
449
00:29:15,909 --> 00:29:18,742
(engines revving)
450
00:29:30,847 --> 00:29:33,680
(dramatic music)
451
00:29:45,398 --> 00:29:48,111
- And what was funny
was that I didn't even
452
00:29:48,111 --> 00:29:49,814
know where the victory circle was.
453
00:29:51,311 --> 00:29:54,581
So I just had to follow the crowd
454
00:29:54,581 --> 00:29:56,004
and hope they lead me there.
455
00:29:58,261 --> 00:30:02,921
- On hearing that her son had
won the 1968 Indianapolis 500,
456
00:30:02,921 --> 00:30:05,344
Here is what Marie Unser had to say.
457
00:30:06,271 --> 00:30:11,271
- I remember I told the news
man at Bobby's 500 victory.
458
00:30:11,681 --> 00:30:14,941
Well, I have one son
in the winner's circle.
459
00:30:14,941 --> 00:30:18,191
Now I've got to get the
other one there too.
460
00:30:18,191 --> 00:30:21,841
I'll admit, that was a
mother's wishful thinking.
461
00:30:21,841 --> 00:30:26,841
But you know, it could have
easily happened in 1969.
462
00:30:27,241 --> 00:30:31,674
Except for that fun ride Al
took a motorcycle one day.
463
00:30:33,101 --> 00:30:36,961
We were very thankful it was
no worse than a broken ankle,
464
00:30:36,961 --> 00:30:40,214
but he was out of all races
for two critical months.
465
00:30:42,291 --> 00:30:43,581
- [Announcer] In spite of being reduced
466
00:30:43,581 --> 00:30:45,331
to spectator status for that long.
467
00:30:45,331 --> 00:30:47,971
Al Unser finished the rest
of the season so strongly
468
00:30:47,971 --> 00:30:49,284
that he was runner up to Mario Andretti
469
00:30:49,284 --> 00:30:52,254
for the 1969 driving championship.
470
00:30:53,319 --> 00:30:56,361
- I was 17, when my father
started to let me race.
471
00:30:56,361 --> 00:30:58,711
I started with modified
stock cars before my father
472
00:30:58,711 --> 00:31:00,831
started to let me race with real race cars
473
00:31:00,831 --> 00:31:02,784
like my brother Bobby was, yeah.
474
00:31:03,721 --> 00:31:08,171
- An early season showing in
1970 quickly made Al Unser,
475
00:31:08,171 --> 00:31:11,112
the favorite for the Indy 500.
476
00:31:11,112 --> 00:31:13,731
(engines revving)
477
00:31:13,731 --> 00:31:16,461
- [Announcer] A strong
early season showing in 1970
478
00:31:16,461 --> 00:31:17,301
quickly made Al
479
00:31:17,301 --> 00:31:20,789
the early May favorite to
win the Indianapolis Classic.
480
00:31:20,789 --> 00:31:22,296
(car revving)
481
00:31:22,296 --> 00:31:24,963
(upbeat music)
482
00:31:39,341 --> 00:31:41,801
He turned lap after lap
at high speeds in practice
483
00:31:41,801 --> 00:31:44,804
and when it came time for
him to qualify, he was ready.
484
00:31:50,161 --> 00:31:53,951
Al zipped around the track and
an average speed of 170.221
485
00:31:53,951 --> 00:31:55,951
miles an hour and won the pole position.
486
00:31:57,795 --> 00:32:00,201
(car engines growl)
487
00:32:00,201 --> 00:32:02,471
- It sounds deceptively easy.
488
00:32:02,471 --> 00:32:05,791
But if the brakes from the
old Speedway could talk,
489
00:32:05,791 --> 00:32:07,131
it would tell stories
490
00:32:07,131 --> 00:32:10,511
of those who gave their best and failed.
491
00:32:10,511 --> 00:32:12,041
- [Announcer] The Unsers have been winners
492
00:32:12,041 --> 00:32:13,441
but they've been losers too.
493
00:32:14,465 --> 00:32:17,382
(tires screeching)
494
00:32:20,666 --> 00:32:24,381
In 1968 Al slowly walked back
over the path his car took
495
00:32:24,381 --> 00:32:27,154
into the wall trying to
figure out what happened.
496
00:32:29,891 --> 00:32:32,808
(tires screeching)
497
00:32:33,971 --> 00:32:37,961
In 1965, Bobby tried to
master the Novi and failed.
498
00:32:37,961 --> 00:32:40,451
But there is nothing unusual about that.
499
00:32:40,451 --> 00:32:42,911
In any given year and
Indianapolis there are almost
500
00:32:42,911 --> 00:32:45,961
as many incidents during
practice and qualification
501
00:32:45,961 --> 00:32:47,962
as there are cars in the race.
502
00:32:47,962 --> 00:32:50,879
(tires screeching)
503
00:33:02,440 --> 00:33:05,107
(upbeat music)
504
00:33:30,238 --> 00:33:33,151
Almost every career driver
has visited the wall
505
00:33:33,151 --> 00:33:34,821
at one time or another.
506
00:33:34,821 --> 00:33:37,121
If they can profit by the experience,
507
00:33:37,121 --> 00:33:39,694
then they're one step
closer to being a champion.
508
00:33:40,981 --> 00:33:43,901
That's pretty well describes Bobby Unser.
509
00:33:43,901 --> 00:33:46,421
He's reached that point in
his career where a consistent
510
00:33:46,421 --> 00:33:49,941
top performance is normal
rather than the exception.
511
00:33:49,941 --> 00:33:53,031
But in qualifying for the 1970 500,
512
00:33:53,031 --> 00:33:56,104
his biggest problem is how
to beat little brother.
513
00:33:57,320 --> 00:34:00,237
(orchestral music)
514
00:34:20,967 --> 00:34:25,884
33 men chasing a million dollars,
there is rain and delays.
515
00:34:27,141 --> 00:34:28,988
But finally that magic moment,
516
00:34:28,988 --> 00:34:31,497
the start of the race is at hand.
517
00:34:31,497 --> 00:34:32,577
(crowd cheering)
518
00:34:32,577 --> 00:34:35,710
- [Announcer] Now race fans,
it's a little past time
519
00:34:35,710 --> 00:34:40,710
for those important words from Mr. Holman.
520
00:34:44,991 --> 00:34:47,408
Gentlemen start your engines.
521
00:34:49,171 --> 00:34:51,921
(crowd cheering)
522
00:35:00,691 --> 00:35:03,341
- [Host] 33 men are
chasing a million dollars
523
00:35:03,341 --> 00:35:06,601
in the 1970 Indianapolis 500.
524
00:35:06,601 --> 00:35:10,121
There are delays but suddenly
the commentator announces
525
00:35:10,121 --> 00:35:12,884
that the race is about to begin.
526
00:35:18,331 --> 00:35:19,831
The green flag drops.
527
00:35:19,831 --> 00:35:22,958
It's the start of the 1970 Indy 500.
528
00:35:25,062 --> 00:35:27,895
(engines revving)
529
00:35:40,481 --> 00:35:42,771
- When the race did start,
Johnny Rutherford got ahead
530
00:35:42,771 --> 00:35:44,591
of me down the corner
right at the beginning.
531
00:35:44,591 --> 00:35:47,751
But, the second corner Rutherford was,
532
00:35:47,751 --> 00:35:49,921
he was still ahead of me,
but as the race continued,
533
00:35:49,921 --> 00:35:52,411
I was able to catch him
and I got by him, yeah.
534
00:35:52,411 --> 00:35:54,484
That was my first one.
535
00:35:54,484 --> 00:35:57,317
(engines revving)
536
00:36:04,040 --> 00:36:05,432
- [Announcer] Here they come traveling
537
00:36:05,432 --> 00:36:07,682
there down the straightaway
538
00:36:09,189 --> 00:36:14,189
and the winner (car revving
drowns out speaker).
539
00:36:21,718 --> 00:36:24,551
(engines revving)
540
00:36:58,283 --> 00:36:59,204
- I was very concerned that
541
00:36:59,204 --> 00:37:00,481
I might've overshot the station.
542
00:37:00,481 --> 00:37:03,111
That can happen when you're
too anxious as you see,
543
00:37:03,111 --> 00:37:04,711
drivers have a tendency to do that.
544
00:37:04,711 --> 00:37:07,311
But I knew I couldn't
be too slow, you know,
545
00:37:07,311 --> 00:37:10,271
either as you might waste time so you have
546
00:37:10,271 --> 00:37:12,015
to be very careful.
547
00:37:12,015 --> 00:37:14,515
(car revving)
548
00:37:44,307 --> 00:37:45,801
Lauren came back and
made a great challenge
549
00:37:45,801 --> 00:37:48,201
but I was able to keep
from overtaking me, yeah.
550
00:37:49,101 --> 00:37:51,934
(engines revving)
551
00:38:15,281 --> 00:38:16,491
- [Announcer] A vibration more in part
552
00:38:16,491 --> 00:38:17,701
brakes on the car driven
553
00:38:17,701 --> 00:38:20,101
by Roger McCluskey is
followed into the wall
554
00:38:20,101 --> 00:38:23,072
by Ronny Putnam and Sam Sessions.
555
00:38:23,072 --> 00:38:25,822
(dramatic music)
556
00:38:28,171 --> 00:38:29,004
(tires screeching)
557
00:38:29,004 --> 00:38:29,961
Others including Jerry Grant
558
00:38:29,961 --> 00:38:31,211
spin through the pile up.
559
00:38:34,041 --> 00:38:36,771
Within moments the
situation is under control.
560
00:38:36,771 --> 00:38:39,151
The safety crews work with fast precision,
561
00:38:39,151 --> 00:38:40,391
no one is injured.
562
00:38:40,391 --> 00:38:43,531
It just takes time to
clean up such a big mess.
563
00:38:43,531 --> 00:38:46,684
Al Unser escapes the accidents
and continues to lead.
564
00:38:48,274 --> 00:38:49,969
(engines revving)
565
00:38:49,969 --> 00:38:52,381
- On last 15 laps of the
race I was able to put a lap
566
00:38:52,381 --> 00:38:54,561
between myself and AJ Foyt, Mark Donohue.
567
00:38:54,561 --> 00:38:57,646
AJ was running second, Donohue was third.
568
00:38:57,646 --> 00:39:00,479
(engines revving)
569
00:39:08,521 --> 00:39:11,271
(dramatic music)
570
00:39:21,641 --> 00:39:24,571
- [Announcer] Yes, Al
Unser won his first 500
571
00:39:24,571 --> 00:39:29,311
and Bobby won his, but each of
them won for all the Unsers,
572
00:39:29,311 --> 00:39:31,761
for two brothers who
helped to show the way,
573
00:39:31,761 --> 00:39:34,191
for their own family and the mother
574
00:39:34,191 --> 00:39:36,701
who gave encouragement and devotion.
575
00:39:36,701 --> 00:39:39,811
There was one other, Jerry Unser Senior,
576
00:39:39,811 --> 00:39:43,831
did not live to see either of
his boys in Winner's Circle.
577
00:39:43,831 --> 00:39:45,291
He started them on their way.
578
00:39:45,291 --> 00:39:46,881
He helped them learn their profession,
579
00:39:46,881 --> 00:39:50,001
he shared their disappointments
and occasional triumphs,
580
00:39:50,001 --> 00:39:53,014
but he wasn't there for
the big moment, or was he?
581
00:39:53,971 --> 00:39:56,441
Anyway, the last time we
talked to Jerry Unser,
582
00:39:56,441 --> 00:39:59,394
he said he knew it was going
to happen just this way.
583
00:40:01,651 --> 00:40:04,401
- Over the years Bobby and
Al Unser have raced against
584
00:40:04,401 --> 00:40:06,304
each other multiple times.
585
00:40:07,990 --> 00:40:10,657
(upbeat music)
586
00:40:13,551 --> 00:40:15,661
- [Announcer] It took two
years to transform a gigantic
587
00:40:15,661 --> 00:40:18,794
grape vineyard into the most
modern racing plant in America.
588
00:40:25,091 --> 00:40:27,461
The big goal at Ontario,
California was getting
589
00:40:27,461 --> 00:40:28,594
the finishing touches.
590
00:40:33,431 --> 00:40:37,931
And Al Unser was busy making
friends with a new track.
591
00:40:38,841 --> 00:40:41,551
Then one day, there it was, all finished,
592
00:40:41,551 --> 00:40:43,884
full of people and race cars.
593
00:40:45,911 --> 00:40:47,751
Except for the Indianapolis
although this is
594
00:40:47,751 --> 00:40:49,914
the track that Roger Ward knows best.
595
00:40:50,751 --> 00:40:53,334
(cars revving)
596
00:41:00,531 --> 00:41:03,011
- [Announcer] At the start
Lloyd Ruby took the lead
597
00:41:03,011 --> 00:41:05,531
from his pole position.
598
00:41:05,531 --> 00:41:09,341
Al Unser, Dan Gurney, Johnny
Rutherford and Bobby Unser
599
00:41:09,341 --> 00:41:10,751
were right behind him.
600
00:41:10,751 --> 00:41:13,781
Down the main straightaway
Al pursued Lloyd Ruby
601
00:41:13,781 --> 00:41:16,485
and passed him going into turn one.
602
00:41:16,485 --> 00:41:19,068
(cars revving)
603
00:41:29,718 --> 00:41:32,501
As Al made his first routine pit stop.
604
00:41:32,501 --> 00:41:35,641
Bobby was sidelined
with mechanical failure.
605
00:41:35,641 --> 00:41:38,141
(engine revs)
606
00:41:51,904 --> 00:41:53,731
Except for brief leading Al Unser
607
00:41:53,731 --> 00:41:56,854
dominated the race until the 186th lap.
608
00:41:59,238 --> 00:42:02,261
At that point he could almost
coast over the finish line.
609
00:42:03,181 --> 00:42:05,731
But as he went into turn one he found
610
00:42:05,731 --> 00:42:08,184
quite suddenly that he
really was coasting.
611
00:42:09,911 --> 00:42:13,404
His supercharger had failed
just 35 miles from the end.
612
00:42:14,281 --> 00:42:16,691
And Texan Jim McElreath wrote his name
613
00:42:16,691 --> 00:42:18,851
in the record book as the winner
614
00:42:18,851 --> 00:42:20,814
of the first California 500.
615
00:42:21,711 --> 00:42:22,881
- [Announcer] But even with this defeat,
616
00:42:22,881 --> 00:42:25,511
Al Unser proceeded to finish
the season even stronger
617
00:42:25,511 --> 00:42:27,771
than he did in 1969.
618
00:42:27,771 --> 00:42:31,241
He won the next five races
on the championship trail,
619
00:42:31,241 --> 00:42:34,301
and during the USAC national championship,
620
00:42:34,301 --> 00:42:36,571
starting the 1971 season,
621
00:42:36,571 --> 00:42:39,781
Al Unser, won an exhibition
race in Argentina,
622
00:42:39,781 --> 00:42:41,981
then with brother Bobby, came to Phoenix,
623
00:42:41,981 --> 00:42:45,181
Arizona for the first
domestic event of the year.
624
00:42:45,181 --> 00:42:48,851
- 24 cars and drivers are
ready to battle it out.
625
00:42:48,851 --> 00:42:50,891
Bobby is on the pole position while
626
00:42:50,891 --> 00:42:55,391
Al right behind him with
Johnny Rutherford alongside.
627
00:42:55,391 --> 00:42:57,591
On the parade lap Jim Malone
628
00:42:57,591 --> 00:43:01,571
checked the 24 car placing
before the started the race.
629
00:43:01,571 --> 00:43:03,714
The flag goes down, and they're off.
630
00:43:03,714 --> 00:43:06,231
(engines revving)
631
00:43:06,231 --> 00:43:10,091
As they race around the
track, it's AJ Foyt, Al Unser
632
00:43:10,091 --> 00:43:13,424
and Johnny Rutherford, battling
it out for front position.
633
00:43:15,051 --> 00:43:17,634
(cars revving)
634
00:43:18,681 --> 00:43:22,181
As the race continues, Rutherford
holds on in fourth place
635
00:43:22,181 --> 00:43:24,934
as he waits for his
chance, but it never come.
636
00:43:39,149 --> 00:43:40,801
The first fuel stop comes around,
637
00:43:40,801 --> 00:43:43,701
Bobby goes in first,
Al follows leaving Foyt
638
00:43:43,701 --> 00:43:45,234
to take over the lead.
639
00:43:48,588 --> 00:43:51,421
(engines revving)
640
00:43:53,231 --> 00:43:56,644
AJ Foyt surrenders the lead
to Al Unser and comes in.
641
00:43:57,904 --> 00:44:00,571
(upbeat music)
642
00:44:08,121 --> 00:44:09,981
The Unser duel continues.
643
00:44:09,981 --> 00:44:13,861
This time it's Al in front
with Bobby pursuing his brother
644
00:44:13,861 --> 00:44:17,251
like a lion on the hunt for food.
645
00:44:17,251 --> 00:44:21,221
Bob Harkey comes in turn
two and spins off the track.
646
00:44:21,221 --> 00:44:23,244
He then recovers and drives off.
647
00:44:25,891 --> 00:44:29,054
The dueling Unsers continue
their battle on the race track.
648
00:44:30,601 --> 00:44:33,131
Bobby Unser now leads
and has his brother Al
649
00:44:33,131 --> 00:44:34,481
breathing down his neck.
650
00:44:34,481 --> 00:44:36,421
Would it have been better to be second
651
00:44:36,421 --> 00:44:38,541
and push all the way to the finish line?
652
00:44:38,541 --> 00:44:41,941
He thinks before making his
move, but it's too late.
653
00:44:41,941 --> 00:44:44,781
Al sweeps past him to take the lead.
654
00:44:44,781 --> 00:44:48,321
Then the wheel blade on
Bobby's car comes off
655
00:44:48,321 --> 00:44:50,561
leaving the steering wheel to vibrate.
656
00:44:50,561 --> 00:44:53,491
Bobby has no alternative but to drop back
657
00:44:53,491 --> 00:44:56,351
but he still holds on a second place.
658
00:44:56,351 --> 00:45:00,041
And that's the way they
finished, Al Unser first,
659
00:45:00,041 --> 00:45:03,131
with Bobby Unser second,
car number one wins
660
00:45:03,131 --> 00:45:05,211
and car number two second.
661
00:45:05,211 --> 00:45:07,021
Well, if you're going to lose,
662
00:45:07,021 --> 00:45:08,961
it's better losing to your brother.
663
00:45:08,961 --> 00:45:12,114
That way you can keep the
prize money in the family.
664
00:45:13,201 --> 00:45:14,551
- [Announcer] By May, Bobby and Al,
665
00:45:14,551 --> 00:45:16,721
were thinking in terms of
carving up the best part
666
00:45:16,721 --> 00:45:18,131
of the million dollar purse offered
667
00:45:18,131 --> 00:45:20,861
for the 1971 the Indianapolis 500.
668
00:45:20,861 --> 00:45:22,671
(engines revving)
669
00:45:22,671 --> 00:45:24,421
When it came to qualification time,
670
00:45:24,421 --> 00:45:28,451
Al, figured that a speed of 174.622,
671
00:45:28,451 --> 00:45:30,421
which earned him a second row position
672
00:45:30,421 --> 00:45:33,521
was a good place to start
off for a second 500 win.
673
00:45:34,573 --> 00:45:35,441
- [Announcer] 174.622 miles an hour.
674
00:45:40,211 --> 00:45:43,148
A great ride for the first time champion
675
00:45:43,148 --> 00:45:44,471
and the winner of the--
676
00:45:46,118 --> 00:45:49,161
- [Announcer] Dan Gurny he
has retired as a driver.
677
00:45:49,161 --> 00:45:51,471
Now he worries Bobby Unser over the line
678
00:45:51,471 --> 00:45:55,514
at a speed of 175.816 miles per hour.
679
00:45:57,168 --> 00:45:59,564
And that makes two Unsers in the show.
680
00:46:00,409 --> 00:46:01,547
- [Announcer] Bobby Unser!
681
00:46:01,547 --> 00:46:03,894
(cars revving)
682
00:46:03,894 --> 00:46:06,977
(lighthearted music)
683
00:46:07,881 --> 00:46:09,681
- [Announcer] And suddenly race day.
684
00:46:11,254 --> 00:46:13,837
(cars revving)
685
00:46:59,081 --> 00:47:01,871
The field breaks into
four groups, the fastest,
686
00:47:01,871 --> 00:47:05,791
the medium speed, the
slowest, and Mark Donohue,
687
00:47:05,791 --> 00:47:07,584
who runs away from everyone.
688
00:47:08,521 --> 00:47:10,541
Peter Epson and Bobby Unser duel
689
00:47:10,541 --> 00:47:12,351
for a second in the straightaway.
690
00:47:12,351 --> 00:47:15,721
Just a wisp of smoke from
the back of Chris Luft's car,
691
00:47:15,721 --> 00:47:17,894
suddenly it becomes a stream of oil.
692
00:47:18,891 --> 00:47:23,891
Chris Luft, Mel Canyon and
Freddie and Gordon Johncock,
693
00:47:30,831 --> 00:47:32,041
others spin wildly
694
00:47:32,041 --> 00:47:33,141
to avoid the wreckage.
695
00:47:35,643 --> 00:47:38,181
Al and Bobby Unser come
through as the emergency crews
696
00:47:38,181 --> 00:47:40,792
go about their jobs with rapid efficiency.
697
00:47:40,792 --> 00:47:43,459
(upbeat music)
698
00:47:48,769 --> 00:47:51,401
In the 50th lap, Donahue makes a pit stop.
699
00:47:51,401 --> 00:47:54,471
Surrenders the lead to Joe
Leonard who passes to Bobby Unser
700
00:47:54,471 --> 00:47:57,431
and then back to Donahue in the 65th lap.
701
00:47:57,431 --> 00:47:59,381
He records the fastest speed of the race.
702
00:47:59,381 --> 00:48:04,381
174.961 miles per hour
then coasts into the turn
703
00:48:04,831 --> 00:48:07,044
for infield with a shattered gearbox.
704
00:48:09,221 --> 00:48:12,271
From the 67th lap till the 118th lap,
705
00:48:12,271 --> 00:48:14,871
a duel between teammates makes history,
706
00:48:14,871 --> 00:48:17,241
the lead passes from
Al Unser to Joe Leonard
707
00:48:17,241 --> 00:48:19,241
and then back again.
708
00:48:19,241 --> 00:48:21,741
(car revving)
709
00:48:28,291 --> 00:48:29,994
And then in the main straightaway.
710
00:48:30,847 --> 00:48:33,764
(tires screeching)
711
00:48:46,091 --> 00:48:48,141
David Hobbs blew an engine.
712
00:48:48,141 --> 00:48:50,751
Rick Muether was right
behind him at that moment.
713
00:48:50,751 --> 00:48:52,204
The rest you can see.
714
00:48:55,261 --> 00:48:56,691
Al Unser, got through safely,
715
00:48:56,691 --> 00:48:59,521
so did AJ Foyt and others
as Holland Spangler
716
00:48:59,521 --> 00:49:00,952
slow the field.
717
00:49:00,952 --> 00:49:03,785
(engines revving)
718
00:49:06,481 --> 00:49:09,731
The caution light is on, Al
Unser comes in for 14 seconds
719
00:49:09,731 --> 00:49:11,131
to top off his tank.
720
00:49:11,131 --> 00:49:13,891
He had made a pit stop
about 15 laps before,
721
00:49:13,891 --> 00:49:16,895
now he's back running but full tanks.
722
00:49:16,895 --> 00:49:18,751
(engines revving)
723
00:49:18,751 --> 00:49:20,171
Joe Leonard goes out of the race.
724
00:49:20,171 --> 00:49:23,151
And now Al Unser leads
with his brother Bobby
725
00:49:23,151 --> 00:49:24,605
in close pursuit.
726
00:49:24,605 --> 00:49:27,438
(engines revving)
727
00:49:40,461 --> 00:49:44,101
It's the 165th lap, a wheel
comes off Mike Mosley's car
728
00:49:44,101 --> 00:49:46,061
and Bobby Unser has a choice to make,
729
00:49:46,061 --> 00:49:48,171
hit Mosley or hit the wall?
730
00:49:48,171 --> 00:49:51,341
As it turns out, they both
piled into cars parked earlier
731
00:49:51,341 --> 00:49:53,164
by Chris Luft Mark Donohue.
732
00:49:56,181 --> 00:49:58,361
Bobby is shaken but unhurt,
733
00:49:58,361 --> 00:50:00,751
mostly it's hospitalize.
734
00:50:00,751 --> 00:50:03,381
And while this is going
on Lloyd Ruby experiences
735
00:50:03,381 --> 00:50:06,321
that annual frustration
which appears to be becoming
736
00:50:06,321 --> 00:50:08,601
the rule rather than the exception.
737
00:50:08,601 --> 00:50:10,441
At one time or another Lloyd Ruby
738
00:50:10,441 --> 00:50:13,891
has met almost every 500 since 1966,
739
00:50:13,891 --> 00:50:16,468
only to have an end for him like this.
740
00:50:16,468 --> 00:50:19,218
(dramatic music)
741
00:50:21,985 --> 00:50:25,921
For Bobby belong walk back
and for little brother,
742
00:50:25,921 --> 00:50:28,921
the green flag, the lead and clear sailing
743
00:50:28,921 --> 00:50:30,851
with only Peter Epson on
the same lap with them.
744
00:50:30,851 --> 00:50:33,501
The last 11 laps are quiet, uneventful,
745
00:50:33,501 --> 00:50:36,271
except perhaps for those
butterflies in Al's stomach
746
00:50:36,271 --> 00:50:39,171
as he gets closer to the
finish, the checkered flag.
747
00:50:39,171 --> 00:50:43,844
Al Unser has done it, he has
won his second Indianapolis 500
748
00:50:46,535 --> 00:50:49,881
Al Unser has just joined a
very select group of men.
749
00:50:49,881 --> 00:50:52,851
Those that have won the 500 back to back,
750
00:50:52,851 --> 00:50:57,851
Mauri Rose, Wilbur Shaw, Bill
Butkovich and now Al Unser.
751
00:51:00,171 --> 00:51:05,171
- On Sunday, May 25 1975,
the 59th Indianapolis 500
752
00:51:05,371 --> 00:51:08,891
takes place, AJ Foyt
started on the pole position
753
00:51:08,891 --> 00:51:12,704
with Bobby Unser on
third and Al Unser on 11.
754
00:51:13,561 --> 00:51:14,971
- [Keith] Good day, ladies and gentlemen,
755
00:51:14,971 --> 00:51:19,041
and welcome to the 1975 Indianapolis 500.
756
00:51:19,041 --> 00:51:20,841
Hello, everybody, I'm Keith Jackson.
757
00:51:21,841 --> 00:51:24,751
The moments before the
start of an Indianapolis 500
758
00:51:24,751 --> 00:51:26,571
are very special.
759
00:51:26,571 --> 00:51:28,131
They're the kind of moments that we long
760
00:51:28,131 --> 00:51:29,951
for in motor racing.
761
00:51:29,951 --> 00:51:32,771
It's a kind of ultimate
anticipation, for it is
762
00:51:32,771 --> 00:51:36,401
a hot humid day as it usually
is in late May in Indiana
763
00:51:36,401 --> 00:51:38,891
and the heat will be a common
adversary for everybody
764
00:51:38,891 --> 00:51:40,914
trying to run a race car fast today.
765
00:51:41,891 --> 00:51:44,981
In the 33 car starting field,
there are six former winners
766
00:51:44,981 --> 00:51:48,491
with only four rookies, but
all those four rookies are rich
767
00:51:48,491 --> 00:51:50,384
in experience from other racetracks.
768
00:51:51,361 --> 00:51:54,771
This starting field qualified
better than 185 miles an hour
769
00:51:54,771 --> 00:51:57,501
collectively, which is one
of the fastest fields ever
770
00:51:58,371 --> 00:52:00,991
and the roar from the start
of an Indianapolis 500
771
00:52:00,991 --> 00:52:03,054
is indeed heard around the world.
772
00:52:04,091 --> 00:52:07,031
And to amplify on that vision,
let's turn to a former winner
773
00:52:07,031 --> 00:52:09,041
of the Indy 500, AJ Foyt,
774
00:52:09,041 --> 00:52:11,231
who today is trying to make it four wins.
775
00:52:11,231 --> 00:52:14,014
The only person in Indy
500 history to do that.
776
00:52:15,231 --> 00:52:18,721
AJ, is this the most important
race that you have ever run?
777
00:52:18,721 --> 00:52:20,911
- Hello, Keith, to answer your question.
778
00:52:20,911 --> 00:52:24,151
Yes, it is, I've always
felt the records are made
779
00:52:24,151 --> 00:52:25,321
to be broken.
780
00:52:25,321 --> 00:52:27,261
And as long as I can continue to race,
781
00:52:27,261 --> 00:52:31,091
I wanna win and set all
the records I possibly can.
782
00:52:31,091 --> 00:52:35,051
But I always said that the
day that I lose that drive,
783
00:52:35,051 --> 00:52:37,851
I will hang it up and quit racing.
784
00:52:37,851 --> 00:52:41,251
This is a very important race in my life.
785
00:52:41,251 --> 00:52:43,271
For the first time,
I've had an opportunity
786
00:52:43,271 --> 00:52:45,991
to become the only man at this time
787
00:52:45,991 --> 00:52:48,941
to win the Indy 500 four times.
788
00:52:48,941 --> 00:52:52,904
And that's a goal I want to
achieve, if I possibly can.
789
00:52:54,601 --> 00:52:56,321
- [Keith] Now to amplify on that point,
790
00:52:56,321 --> 00:52:58,831
let's turn to a colleague,
the expert commentator
791
00:52:58,831 --> 00:53:01,081
for our coverage of the Indianapolis 500,
792
00:53:01,081 --> 00:53:04,461
former world champion racing
driver, Jackie Stewart.
793
00:53:04,461 --> 00:53:06,951
- Hello, Keith, perhaps
in the whole world,
794
00:53:06,951 --> 00:53:10,231
there are only a handful
of truly great events.
795
00:53:10,231 --> 00:53:13,701
And here in Indianapolis,
this is certainly one of them.
796
00:53:13,701 --> 00:53:15,871
Because in every city in the world,
797
00:53:15,871 --> 00:53:17,851
and every corner of the world,
798
00:53:17,851 --> 00:53:21,631
they know that the Indy
500 is taking place today.
799
00:53:21,631 --> 00:53:25,571
And these drivers down in
the grid also know that fact,
800
00:53:25,571 --> 00:53:28,421
there are 33 of them
facing an enormous crowd,
801
00:53:28,421 --> 00:53:31,814
perhaps the biggest motor
race in the whole world.
802
00:53:33,651 --> 00:53:35,561
- [Keith] You and I are
sitting here and we can feel
803
00:53:35,561 --> 00:53:37,791
the tension, but it is
nothing like the tension
804
00:53:37,791 --> 00:53:39,491
that's built on the starting grid.
805
00:53:41,461 --> 00:53:45,241
- Keith, I can remember when
I came out of gasoline alley,
806
00:53:45,241 --> 00:53:49,281
and was faced by this enormous
crowd, what a shock it was.
807
00:53:49,281 --> 00:53:52,911
It was a system shock like I
have never received before.
808
00:53:52,911 --> 00:53:55,881
You were just faced with
this multitude of people,
809
00:53:55,881 --> 00:53:58,491
your nerves start to
shake as your whole system
810
00:53:58,491 --> 00:54:00,071
goes into overdrive.
811
00:54:00,071 --> 00:54:02,851
As the pit crew make check after check,
812
00:54:02,851 --> 00:54:06,591
going over the same things they
have done many times before.
813
00:54:06,591 --> 00:54:08,711
As the drivers make
sure that they are safe
814
00:54:08,711 --> 00:54:11,321
as they pull on their
fire resistant suits,
815
00:54:11,321 --> 00:54:14,881
back labs and gloves in
case the inevitable happens
816
00:54:14,881 --> 00:54:16,561
for full protection.
817
00:54:16,561 --> 00:54:19,781
These men at this time
are going through emotions
818
00:54:19,781 --> 00:54:22,091
most people never experience.
819
00:54:22,091 --> 00:54:24,811
They don't know what their
day is going to bring.
820
00:54:24,811 --> 00:54:26,751
They are 33 of them.
821
00:54:26,751 --> 00:54:29,501
And surely there will be accidents today.
822
00:54:29,501 --> 00:54:32,901
They know that, they know
it's a calculated risk,
823
00:54:32,901 --> 00:54:34,371
but they're great men.
824
00:54:34,371 --> 00:54:36,584
- [Keith] This race must be one of a kind.
825
00:54:37,421 --> 00:54:41,421
- Yes, the Indy 500 track runs
over two and a half miles.
826
00:54:41,421 --> 00:54:43,961
It looks like it's
simply for easy corners.
827
00:54:43,961 --> 00:54:45,581
But this is not the case.
828
00:54:45,581 --> 00:54:47,551
It's two and a half miles round,
829
00:54:47,551 --> 00:54:51,071
and it's got a nine degree
bank on all four turns.
830
00:54:51,071 --> 00:54:54,031
But it's not that simple
because each one of them
831
00:54:54,031 --> 00:54:56,971
has a character and
personality of their own.
832
00:54:56,971 --> 00:54:59,561
Turn one is certainly
different from turn three
833
00:54:59,561 --> 00:55:03,341
which looks to be the same from
the start or finishing line.
834
00:55:03,341 --> 00:55:06,291
There's a narrow strip of
brick, you go into turn one
835
00:55:06,291 --> 00:55:08,851
and you're faced with
these enormous visions,
836
00:55:08,851 --> 00:55:12,641
faces of people as you
short shoot the turn two.
837
00:55:12,641 --> 00:55:16,121
Now this is an important turn
as you must go cleanly down
838
00:55:16,121 --> 00:55:18,261
the back straight to turn three.
839
00:55:18,261 --> 00:55:20,981
So you enter it at very high speed.
840
00:55:20,981 --> 00:55:25,091
Again, you go along until
you get to turn four,
841
00:55:25,091 --> 00:55:26,471
where you can enter the pits
842
00:55:26,471 --> 00:55:28,744
or go down the start finishing line.
843
00:55:30,151 --> 00:55:33,171
From a driver's point of
view, it's a big thrill.
844
00:55:33,171 --> 00:55:36,811
You see the grandstand as
you go towards turn one,
845
00:55:36,811 --> 00:55:38,831
banking on the outside wall.
846
00:55:38,831 --> 00:55:42,661
You then go high on the
race track into turn two
847
00:55:42,661 --> 00:55:45,201
along the short shot,
before you commit yourself
848
00:55:45,201 --> 00:55:46,391
to this corner.
849
00:55:46,391 --> 00:55:50,081
This is one you must do correctly
as the wind affects you,
850
00:55:50,081 --> 00:55:53,901
in this corner, but you must
get down the back straight
851
00:55:53,901 --> 00:55:56,371
and away as quickly as possible.
852
00:55:56,371 --> 00:55:59,921
This gives the driver the
opportunity to look at his mirror,
853
00:55:59,921 --> 00:56:03,131
check his gauges and
his tires just in case
854
00:56:03,131 --> 00:56:04,474
he can see a puncture.
855
00:56:05,371 --> 00:56:09,351
Then as you enter, turn three,
you are doing an incredibly
856
00:56:09,351 --> 00:56:12,491
high speed around 220 miles an hour.
857
00:56:12,491 --> 00:56:16,171
It's a little bit bumpy in
the middle as the car goes
858
00:56:16,171 --> 00:56:19,761
very high and very close to
the wall in the short shoot
859
00:56:19,761 --> 00:56:21,791
before you get to turn four.
860
00:56:21,791 --> 00:56:24,291
This is a corner that
causes loads of trouble
861
00:56:24,291 --> 00:56:28,241
and Indianapolis as there
are so many accidents here.
862
00:56:28,241 --> 00:56:30,941
The cars seem to get close to the walls
863
00:56:30,941 --> 00:56:32,451
as they loom towards you
864
00:56:32,451 --> 00:56:34,511
as you go down the bank straight.
865
00:56:34,511 --> 00:56:37,651
Again you are doing about
220 miles an hour before
866
00:56:37,651 --> 00:56:41,541
you are faced with this narrow
tunnel of vision that you see
867
00:56:41,541 --> 00:56:44,921
that the spectators are
on both sides of you.
868
00:56:44,921 --> 00:56:47,641
What a racetrack, what an emotional feat,
869
00:56:47,641 --> 00:56:51,451
just to get around there
at such high speeds
870
00:56:51,451 --> 00:56:53,674
is an incredible feat for each driver.
871
00:56:54,521 --> 00:56:56,881
- [Keith] And coming off that
start is a time of trust,
872
00:56:56,881 --> 00:56:59,101
faith and luck, am I right?
873
00:56:59,101 --> 00:57:03,151
- Yes, there are 33 men
packed into a very small space
874
00:57:03,151 --> 00:57:04,721
at very high speed.
875
00:57:04,721 --> 00:57:06,721
the talents of the
drivers here have trained
876
00:57:06,721 --> 00:57:07,831
for a whole month.
877
00:57:07,831 --> 00:57:10,131
And this of course is
their big day to show what
878
00:57:10,131 --> 00:57:13,794
they can do as they try
to win the Indy 500.
879
00:57:15,471 --> 00:57:17,811
- [Keith] Tony Holman bought
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
880
00:57:17,811 --> 00:57:21,671
in 1945 from Eddie
Rickenbacker and Associates,
881
00:57:21,671 --> 00:57:24,601
since 1946, Tony Holman has conducted
882
00:57:24,601 --> 00:57:27,281
one of the most dramatic
moments in sports anywhere,
883
00:57:27,281 --> 00:57:28,361
just like this.
884
00:57:30,512 --> 00:57:33,179
- Gentlemen, start your engines!
885
00:57:34,676 --> 00:57:37,204
(crowd cheering)
886
00:57:37,204 --> 00:57:39,954
(dramatic music)
887
00:57:42,741 --> 00:57:46,526
- [Announcer] The starter
now will hold the flags
888
00:57:46,526 --> 00:57:50,532
and watch the field,
those veterans up front,
889
00:57:50,532 --> 00:57:52,461
Lloyd John Puckanundstra hold them
890
00:57:52,461 --> 00:57:53,401
in proper starting position,
891
00:57:53,401 --> 00:57:55,423
we'll get a green right now
892
00:57:55,423 --> 00:57:58,173
and we're racing in Indianapolis.
893
00:57:59,274 --> 00:58:03,321
- [Announcer] Got a positive
advantage to come back on
894
00:58:03,321 --> 00:58:06,411
- [Announcer] Gordon Johncock,
AJ Foyt and Bobby Unser,
895
00:58:06,411 --> 00:58:09,054
the front row running one two three.
896
00:58:10,207 --> 00:58:12,081
And it's Johncock, defending champion
897
00:58:12,081 --> 00:58:15,321
now sitting comfortably in
the number four position.
898
00:58:15,321 --> 00:58:16,231
- [Announcer] But look what a lead,
899
00:58:16,231 --> 00:58:18,671
this man has put, man
Gordon Jonhcock's got,
900
00:58:18,671 --> 00:58:19,911
he's really pulled over strings,
901
00:58:19,911 --> 00:58:22,181
he is a charger, Gordon
Johncock's the type of man
902
00:58:22,181 --> 00:58:24,441
who you'd expect to do
this sort of performance.
903
00:58:24,441 --> 00:58:26,351
I think AJ Foyt certainly not gonna try
904
00:58:26,351 --> 00:58:27,941
and challenge him too hard in this time
905
00:58:27,941 --> 00:58:29,001
because it's a long race.
906
00:58:29,001 --> 00:58:31,101
500 miles is a long way to go.
907
00:58:32,301 --> 00:58:34,351
- [Announcer] It is a light
car, everything is about
908
00:58:34,351 --> 00:58:37,961
7/8 the size previously and Salt Walther
909
00:58:37,961 --> 00:58:42,013
in car number 77 is the
first man hit that road.
910
00:58:42,013 --> 00:58:43,710
Salt Walther.
911
00:58:43,710 --> 00:58:44,568
- [Announcer] And that
is a break for everybody
912
00:58:44,568 --> 00:58:47,581
particularly those people concerned
913
00:58:47,581 --> 00:58:49,712
about the fuel consumption.
914
00:58:49,712 --> 00:58:52,061
(engines revving)
915
00:58:52,061 --> 00:58:52,951
- [Announcer] Cars stream down the back,
916
00:58:52,951 --> 00:58:54,024
straight away you can see Dollard
917
00:58:54,024 --> 00:58:56,792
taking advantage of the
draft slingshots back,
918
00:58:56,792 --> 00:58:58,521
they is a smoke, they is a car spinning.
919
00:58:58,521 --> 00:59:00,841
It's Mario Andretti, it looks
like he's in a mechanically,
920
00:59:00,841 --> 00:59:04,591
he's gone into the wall very
hard and right onto the grass.
921
00:59:04,591 --> 00:59:06,384
- [Announcer] Mario
Andretti on the back strafe
922
00:59:06,384 --> 00:59:10,011
hits the wall and he hits
on the left side of the car
923
00:59:10,011 --> 00:59:12,181
and that's where the fuel tank is located.
924
00:59:12,181 --> 00:59:14,671
They is no fuel tank on the
right, it's kept on the left
925
00:59:14,671 --> 00:59:17,781
because most of the accidents
in the past half of those
926
00:59:17,781 --> 00:59:19,841
people have gone to the outside wall.
927
00:59:19,841 --> 00:59:21,861
But that time something
happened at the rear
928
00:59:21,861 --> 00:59:24,698
of Andretti's car, stepping
around Mario had no chance,
929
00:59:24,698 --> 00:59:26,241
the yellow flag is up.
930
00:59:26,241 --> 00:59:28,591
He tears across the wall and walks away,
931
00:59:28,591 --> 00:59:30,309
but he's obviously shaken
932
00:59:30,309 --> 00:59:31,681
because he must have been battling
933
00:59:31,681 --> 00:59:34,034
in the neighborhood of 190 miles an hour.
934
00:59:37,421 --> 00:59:39,071
Here we come down with AJ Foyt,
935
00:59:39,071 --> 00:59:42,128
beginning to move through
traffic that he's running behind
936
00:59:42,128 --> 00:59:47,128
Tom Sneva, number 58 is in
the yellow car coming around
937
00:59:48,051 --> 00:59:51,480
turn number two and oh we got Tom Sneva.
938
00:59:51,480 --> 00:59:53,418
He's on the wall, he goes
into a terrible bit of fire,
939
00:59:55,571 --> 00:59:57,908
the infamous rip round up back of the car
940
00:59:57,908 --> 01:00:01,551
comes tumbling across, AJ
Foyt is right behind him,
941
01:00:01,551 --> 01:00:04,251
he was able to avoid it somehow,
942
01:00:04,251 --> 01:00:07,065
but Tom Sneva is in the
car, he is moving around,
943
01:00:07,065 --> 01:00:10,233
he is trying to get out,
an incredible accident
944
01:00:10,233 --> 01:00:14,006
on car number 68 Tom Sneva, there is fire,
945
01:00:14,006 --> 01:00:16,388
Sneva, acting to get out of the car.
946
01:00:16,388 --> 01:00:18,879
The fireman is there spraying it down.
947
01:00:18,879 --> 01:00:21,804
The question is, is there
fire in the cockpit?
948
01:00:21,804 --> 01:00:24,091
But what a spectacular flip
949
01:00:24,091 --> 01:00:26,881
and the fire suit hopefully
will protect young
950
01:00:26,881 --> 01:00:29,475
Tom Sneva as he struggles
to get out of the car,
951
01:00:29,475 --> 01:00:30,308
and Jackie, it appears that
he has exited that car.
952
01:00:32,377 --> 01:00:33,756
- [Announcer] Yeah he is,
and he has got lots of help.
953
01:00:33,756 --> 01:00:34,854
They've obviously doused the fire,
954
01:00:34,854 --> 01:00:37,491
you can't see the alcohol flame of course,
955
01:00:37,491 --> 01:00:38,784
but he looks as if he's okay,
956
01:00:38,784 --> 01:00:39,617
he's certainly moving around,
957
01:00:39,617 --> 01:00:42,281
I don't think I've ever seen a driver who,
958
01:00:42,281 --> 01:00:44,378
so easily after...
959
01:00:44,378 --> 01:00:47,211
- [Announcer] Oh, he got
him on the front straight.
960
01:00:47,211 --> 01:00:50,148
That is Gary Bettenhausen
has lost the rear wheel,
961
01:00:50,148 --> 01:00:53,238
and look at him do the job of driving,
962
01:00:53,238 --> 01:00:56,302
holy smokes, how in the
world did he hold it?
963
01:00:56,302 --> 01:00:58,339
- [Announcer] Well that car's
only running on three wheels,
964
01:00:58,339 --> 01:00:59,759
my goodness he was steering,
965
01:00:59,759 --> 01:01:01,820
ya see it's not properly
steering because one wheel's
966
01:01:01,820 --> 01:01:02,900
popped up in the air,
967
01:01:02,900 --> 01:01:05,612
it's really a tremendous problem for him.
968
01:01:05,612 --> 01:01:06,973
- [Announcer] Round of
applause building for
969
01:01:06,973 --> 01:01:10,399
Bettenhausen for a
magnificent piece of work
970
01:01:10,399 --> 01:01:12,551
in keeping that car away
from everybody else.
971
01:01:12,551 --> 01:01:15,011
Gary injured his left arm a year ago.
972
01:01:15,011 --> 01:01:17,051
This morning and there is that rain.
973
01:01:17,051 --> 01:01:18,411
- [Announcer] Oh and
it's very heavy Keith,
974
01:01:18,411 --> 01:01:19,541
it's almost thunder rain,
975
01:01:19,541 --> 01:01:21,411
it's gonna absolutely flood the racetrack.
976
01:01:21,411 --> 01:01:23,411
Look at everybody running but
look at a heavy the rain is,
977
01:01:23,411 --> 01:01:25,891
what are these cars gonna
do on this sort of rain.
978
01:01:25,891 --> 01:01:27,691
- [Announcer] They're gonna
start slipping and sliding.
979
01:01:27,691 --> 01:01:31,161
It is a cloud first of all
fashion and Midwest thunderstorm
980
01:01:31,161 --> 01:01:35,481
as it was during here at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
981
01:01:35,481 --> 01:01:37,823
- [Announcer] Remember these
cars have got slick tires on,
982
01:01:37,823 --> 01:01:39,311
they're supposed to run on the rain.
983
01:01:39,311 --> 01:01:42,361
These tires can hydroplane at
even about 20 miles an hour.
984
01:01:42,361 --> 01:01:44,145
You can see them start to pat them down,
985
01:01:44,145 --> 01:01:45,751
there, he's got the
checkered flag in his hand.
986
01:01:45,751 --> 01:01:47,691
- [Announcer] All right, let's
check first standings now.
987
01:01:47,691 --> 01:01:49,831
It becomes vital, who's leading?
988
01:01:49,831 --> 01:01:52,326
It is Bobby Unser who has the lead,
989
01:01:52,326 --> 01:01:54,131
Johnny Rutherford is second.
990
01:01:54,131 --> 01:01:55,911
They're just barely moving along.
991
01:01:55,911 --> 01:01:57,451
They're beginning to hydroplane.
992
01:01:57,451 --> 01:01:59,191
They're throwing up a rooster tail.
993
01:01:59,191 --> 01:02:02,511
AJ Foyt is running in third,
Pancho Carter is four,
994
01:02:02,511 --> 01:02:05,511
Roger McCluskey five, Bill Buetebar six
995
01:02:05,511 --> 01:02:06,671
and George Steiner is seven.
996
01:02:06,671 --> 01:02:08,551
Their wobbling all over the place.
997
01:02:08,551 --> 01:02:12,581
Here comes Unser and Foyt
coming along, AJ is a lap down,
998
01:02:12,581 --> 01:02:14,601
almost a lap down to Bobby.
999
01:02:14,601 --> 01:02:15,961
Bobby Unser in the blue car,
1000
01:02:15,961 --> 01:02:18,731
on the right is the leader
as they work their way
1001
01:02:18,731 --> 01:02:22,212
so very carefully at this
point however remember
1002
01:02:22,212 --> 01:02:24,851
they must be very careful
because if he slides
1003
01:02:24,851 --> 01:02:26,958
off the racetrack he could still lose
1004
01:02:26,958 --> 01:02:28,941
this race to Johhny Rutherford
1005
01:02:28,941 --> 01:02:31,151
who is feeling his way around.
1006
01:02:31,151 --> 01:02:34,031
It's like walking on grease.
1007
01:02:34,031 --> 01:02:35,521
- [Announcer] Remember
these drivers are not used
1008
01:02:35,521 --> 01:02:37,451
to driving in the rain
and the cars are certainly
1009
01:02:37,451 --> 01:02:39,441
not set up, I've driven
in the rain, of course,
1010
01:02:39,441 --> 01:02:40,274
a lot of times,
1011
01:02:40,274 --> 01:02:41,244
because in Europe we do drive in the rain
1012
01:02:41,244 --> 01:02:44,614
but here we have time and
there's cars all over the place.
1013
01:02:44,614 --> 01:02:46,675
I just got back from the hydroplanning
1014
01:02:46,675 --> 01:02:48,371
and they might have walked from the road.
1015
01:02:48,371 --> 01:02:50,516
Cars spinning and look at this gosh.
1016
01:02:50,516 --> 01:02:51,349
- [Announcer] That's Billy Butkovich.
1017
01:02:51,349 --> 01:02:53,021
- [Announcer] Billy
Butkovich trying to control,
1018
01:02:53,021 --> 01:02:55,295
he's heading for the infield,
oh he's gone up to the fence,
1019
01:02:55,295 --> 01:02:58,371
and he's driving it away.
1020
01:02:58,371 --> 01:02:59,901
- [Announcer] The red flag
is up, the race is up,
1021
01:02:59,901 --> 01:03:01,654
the checkered flag is up.
1022
01:03:02,756 --> 01:03:03,673
And they're stopping the race,
1023
01:03:03,673 --> 01:03:04,888
there's Johnny Rutherford
1024
01:03:04,888 --> 01:03:07,097
he is running in second place.
1025
01:03:07,097 --> 01:03:09,432
- [Announcer] Impossible
conditions for these drivers,
1026
01:03:09,432 --> 01:03:10,965
look at that, it's almost fog,
1027
01:03:10,965 --> 01:03:13,475
the cars are barely visible
on the straightaway.
1028
01:03:13,475 --> 01:03:16,931
- [Announcer] You can't see
it, perhaps but Bobby Unser.
1029
01:03:16,931 --> 01:03:18,921
Coasting through to the crowd there,
1030
01:03:18,921 --> 01:03:22,418
there were four cars tangled
up coming off that fourth turn,
1031
01:03:22,418 --> 01:03:23,771
AJ Foyt is coming along
1032
01:03:23,771 --> 01:03:26,991
he is gonna be third and their
is the winner car number 48.
1033
01:03:26,991 --> 01:03:29,871
Bobby Unser wins in a driving rain storm,
1034
01:03:29,871 --> 01:03:31,418
here at Indianapolis.
1035
01:03:32,689 --> 01:03:35,439
(dramatic music)
1036
01:03:39,671 --> 01:03:44,581
- By the 174th lap, a huge
downpour fell onto the track
1037
01:03:44,581 --> 01:03:48,651
officials immediately end
the race, just 26 laps short
1038
01:03:48,651 --> 01:03:50,321
of the scheduled distance.
1039
01:03:50,321 --> 01:03:53,851
Bobby Unser was leading
the 500 at the red flag
1040
01:03:53,851 --> 01:03:57,031
and was declared the
winner defending champion
1041
01:03:57,031 --> 01:04:00,371
Johnny Rutherford was in
second and pole position
1042
01:04:00,371 --> 01:04:04,611
AJ Foyt came home third,
Al Unser finished the race
1043
01:04:04,611 --> 01:04:07,061
with a broken connecting rod.
1044
01:04:07,061 --> 01:04:09,014
This was Bobby's second win.
1045
01:04:10,811 --> 01:04:13,664
- No, I had no idea it was gonna rain.
1046
01:04:14,541 --> 01:04:18,321
In fact, I was really lucky to
bring the car down to a safe
1047
01:04:18,321 --> 01:04:20,764
speed before the rain suddenly came down.
1048
01:04:22,421 --> 01:04:24,484
It was like skiing on an ice rink.
1049
01:04:25,944 --> 01:04:28,354
They was no control over that car at all.
1050
01:04:29,431 --> 01:04:33,811
- In 1978 Al Unser breaks
a five year bad run
1051
01:04:33,811 --> 01:04:37,831
by winning the 62nd Indianapolis 500.
1052
01:04:37,831 --> 01:04:39,490
- Once you win in the Annapolis
then you know you can do it
1053
01:04:39,490 --> 01:04:41,231
and you wanna win every year
and repeat that victory.
1054
01:04:41,231 --> 01:04:42,811
- [Announcer] Comes down the front stretch
1055
01:04:42,811 --> 01:04:44,321
from the last time.
1056
01:04:44,321 --> 01:04:45,771
- [Announcer] The checkered
flag will be waved
1057
01:04:45,771 --> 01:04:48,811
by Patton Finand for Al
Unser of Albuquerque.
1058
01:04:48,811 --> 01:04:51,631
He has won his third Indianapolis 500.
1059
01:04:51,631 --> 01:04:56,491
Joining the name of Louie
Meijer, of Wilbur Shaw,
1060
01:04:56,491 --> 01:04:58,291
of Marie Rose and AJ Foyt
1061
01:04:58,291 --> 01:05:00,631
as the only man who won
this race three times.
1062
01:05:00,631 --> 01:05:03,991
AJ of course has won it four,
with his victory last year.
1063
01:05:03,991 --> 01:05:06,381
Al Unser now in a very exclusive society
1064
01:05:06,381 --> 01:05:08,644
ff three time winners there he is.
1065
01:05:10,807 --> 01:05:12,881
- [Announcer] Breathing
relief, look at Karen,
1066
01:05:12,881 --> 01:05:13,951
the lovely Karen
1067
01:05:13,951 --> 01:05:15,969
his wife there, she
doesn't know where to look.
1068
01:05:15,969 --> 01:05:19,554
She must be a happy lady
right now, oh a lovely kiss.
1069
01:05:20,631 --> 01:05:24,024
- [Announcer] Okay, Karen
waiting for husband Al Unser.
1070
01:05:25,101 --> 01:05:28,231
We thinking orange flame retardant glove.
1071
01:05:28,231 --> 01:05:32,261
There's AJ Foyt the final
humiliation of the day,
1072
01:05:32,261 --> 01:05:34,391
he stops in the racecourse
run out of fuel,
1073
01:05:34,391 --> 01:05:36,431
no doubt there also it's Wally Galenbacher
1074
01:05:36,431 --> 01:05:37,264
in car number six,
1075
01:05:37,264 --> 01:05:38,481
he's also out of fuel.
1076
01:05:38,481 --> 01:05:40,321
He will finish well down on back
1077
01:05:40,321 --> 01:05:43,211
unofficially in fifth or sixth place.
1078
01:05:43,211 --> 01:05:44,951
We'll have the final official standings.
1079
01:05:44,951 --> 01:05:47,511
AJ Foyt's gonna be eighth
or ninth that appears
1080
01:05:47,511 --> 01:05:51,811
but into victory lane is
Al Unser it's all over.
1081
01:05:51,811 --> 01:05:54,751
Took something over three
hours to do in intense heat
1082
01:05:54,751 --> 01:05:56,401
and humidity in Indianapolis.
1083
01:05:56,401 --> 01:05:59,251
We would suspect he's not
feeling it very much right now.
1084
01:06:00,540 --> 01:06:02,641
- You wanna win.
1085
01:06:02,641 --> 01:06:04,381
So after competing for
six years without a win,
1086
01:06:04,381 --> 01:06:06,761
I was desperate, I was
desperate to prove that
1087
01:06:06,761 --> 01:06:08,721
I could do it, I could do it again!
1088
01:06:08,721 --> 01:06:10,644
And that's what I did.
1089
01:06:11,941 --> 01:06:15,371
- In 1981 Bobby Unser took the pole.
1090
01:06:15,371 --> 01:06:17,091
Unser was running strong
1091
01:06:17,091 --> 01:06:19,501
that day when the frustration began.
1092
01:06:19,501 --> 01:06:22,151
Time and time again, the race was slow
1093
01:06:22,151 --> 01:06:24,241
and under the yellow flag.
1094
01:06:24,241 --> 01:06:27,668
Unser, even caught fire in the
pits, but chose to drive it
1095
01:06:27,668 --> 01:06:32,301
out of the car by using the
airflow to put the flames out.
1096
01:06:32,301 --> 01:06:36,321
Unser and Andretti both
pitted, running one two.
1097
01:06:36,321 --> 01:06:39,521
Bobby was out first with
Andretti close behind.
1098
01:06:39,521 --> 01:06:41,191
As they re-entered the track,
1099
01:06:41,191 --> 01:06:43,531
the rest of the field was passing.
1100
01:06:43,531 --> 01:06:47,591
Unser accelerates past
several cars before merging in
1101
01:06:47,591 --> 01:06:49,861
about 10 spots in front of Andretti
1102
01:06:49,861 --> 01:06:54,291
who also passed a few cars
before merging into the track.
1103
01:06:54,291 --> 01:06:56,821
Andretti radioed this
incident into his crew
1104
01:06:56,821 --> 01:07:00,101
but no penalty at this time was taken.
1105
01:07:00,101 --> 01:07:01,951
For the next three laps Unser
1106
01:07:01,951 --> 01:07:03,871
lead the field to win the race.
1107
01:07:03,871 --> 01:07:07,044
The next day Mario Andretti
was declared the winner.
1108
01:07:08,691 --> 01:07:10,384
- Now I know what the rules are.
1109
01:07:11,441 --> 01:07:14,551
I studied them rules probably
harder than any other driver
1110
01:07:14,551 --> 01:07:15,504
at that time.
1111
01:07:16,451 --> 01:07:19,941
So I knew what I did might
have been a gray area,
1112
01:07:19,941 --> 01:07:24,294
but I also knew that no rules against it.
1113
01:07:26,581 --> 01:07:30,331
- In October of that year
Bobby Unser was reinstated
1114
01:07:30,331 --> 01:07:34,111
and became the three time
winner of the Indianapolis 500.
1115
01:07:34,111 --> 01:07:37,361
But Mario Andretti sees it differently.
1116
01:07:37,361 --> 01:07:39,821
- Guys look, what happened
that day is clear.
1117
01:07:39,821 --> 01:07:41,961
Bobby passed the cars
under the yellow flag
1118
01:07:41,961 --> 01:07:43,414
when he came out of the pits.
1119
01:07:44,591 --> 01:07:46,474
- I didn't do anything wrong.
1120
01:07:48,211 --> 01:07:50,361
It just depends on how
you read them rules.
1121
01:07:51,538 --> 01:07:56,538
- The 1981 Indy 500 was
arguably the most controversial
1122
01:07:57,031 --> 01:07:58,774
in the history of the event.
1123
01:08:00,121 --> 01:08:02,021
- [Interviewer] With
me is Thomas W Binford,
1124
01:08:02,021 --> 01:08:04,351
the chief steward at the Indianapolis 500,
1125
01:08:04,351 --> 01:08:06,728
who's responsible for acting on protests.
1126
01:08:06,728 --> 01:08:09,701
And a protest has been launched
by the Patrick Racing team
1127
01:08:09,701 --> 01:08:12,641
contending that winner Bobby
Unser past cars illegally
1128
01:08:12,641 --> 01:08:14,311
under the yellow flag.
1129
01:08:14,311 --> 01:08:15,584
Tom, what's next?
1130
01:08:16,511 --> 01:08:19,501
- Well, right now and this
evening, we will be reviewing
1131
01:08:19,501 --> 01:08:20,934
all of the facts in this case
1132
01:08:20,934 --> 01:08:24,111
as well as the entire playback results.
1133
01:08:24,111 --> 01:08:26,871
Then we will post our
official decision and results
1134
01:08:26,871 --> 01:08:29,001
at 8:00 tomorrow morning.
1135
01:08:29,001 --> 01:08:32,131
But then that time, the unofficial
protest will be accepted
1136
01:08:32,131 --> 01:08:34,021
that they still want the places.
1137
01:08:34,021 --> 01:08:36,821
We may decide in our favor
before it's even made,
1138
01:08:36,821 --> 01:08:39,001
it's official, we may not.
1139
01:08:39,001 --> 01:08:42,371
If they don't take a file protest
and we'll have it hearing.
1140
01:08:42,371 --> 01:08:43,941
- [Interviewer] Okay, you're
saying that you may decide
1141
01:08:43,941 --> 01:08:45,961
to take action on this yourself.
1142
01:08:45,961 --> 01:08:47,221
Passing under the yellow,
1143
01:08:47,221 --> 01:08:49,921
what type of penalty or
judgment may this incur?
1144
01:08:49,921 --> 01:08:52,601
- It could incur as
much as a wall penalty,
1145
01:08:52,601 --> 01:08:54,661
which would of course
take the victory away
1146
01:08:54,661 --> 01:08:58,291
from Bobby Unser and present
it to Mario Andretti.
1147
01:08:58,291 --> 01:09:00,181
- [Interviewer] Okay, so it's
been a long day at the track
1148
01:09:00,181 --> 01:09:02,401
for all of us, and it
looks like a longer night
1149
01:09:02,401 --> 01:09:03,414
for the officials.
1150
01:09:04,581 --> 01:09:08,351
- This time it's champion was
not decided on the racetrack.
1151
01:09:08,351 --> 01:09:09,961
But in the court.
1152
01:09:09,961 --> 01:09:13,581
The trophy changed hands
between two racing legends.
1153
01:09:13,581 --> 01:09:18,401
Bobby Unser and Mario Andretti
over a controversial blending
1154
01:09:18,401 --> 01:09:22,301
role dictated where a driver
could merge onto the track
1155
01:09:22,301 --> 01:09:25,011
coming out of the pits under a yellow flag
1156
01:09:25,011 --> 01:09:28,121
and who followed the rule and who didn't.
1157
01:09:28,121 --> 01:09:30,051
Was the blending rule clear?
1158
01:09:30,051 --> 01:09:33,021
That question remains the
bone of the contention
1159
01:09:33,021 --> 01:09:34,779
to this present day.
1160
01:09:34,779 --> 01:09:37,711
(dramatic music)
1161
01:09:37,711 --> 01:09:41,171
There did exist a verbal
agreement with the drivers,
1162
01:09:41,171 --> 01:09:44,681
the cars would bend back into
the track after their pit stop
1163
01:09:44,681 --> 01:09:48,391
in such a way that any
advantage gained by that driver
1164
01:09:48,391 --> 01:09:51,171
over those that would
remain on the track behind
1165
01:09:51,171 --> 01:09:53,344
the base car would be neutralized.
1166
01:09:56,631 --> 01:09:57,961
- I would have done the same thing
1167
01:09:57,961 --> 01:10:00,061
by feeling the decision to overturn
1168
01:10:00,061 --> 01:10:01,471
the verdict to give me the race.
1169
01:10:01,471 --> 01:10:03,921
But the fact is that
Bobby violated the rules
1170
01:10:03,921 --> 01:10:06,201
that were already in place.
1171
01:10:06,201 --> 01:10:08,371
Yeah, they tested that rule before.
1172
01:10:08,371 --> 01:10:10,721
They went back and forth
with various hearings
1173
01:10:10,721 --> 01:10:12,861
that Bobby did pass
whatever amount of cars
1174
01:10:12,861 --> 01:10:14,111
under the yellow flag.
1175
01:10:14,111 --> 01:10:15,031
I think he admitted to eight,
1176
01:10:15,031 --> 01:10:17,131
it was probably more but eight,
1177
01:10:17,131 --> 01:10:21,351
let's say, and so he committed
this infraction of the rules.
1178
01:10:21,351 --> 01:10:22,941
And that was very clear to everybody.
1179
01:10:22,941 --> 01:10:25,331
But the judges ruled, all three judges,
1180
01:10:25,331 --> 01:10:27,631
rule to change the decision,
1181
01:10:27,631 --> 01:10:30,251
and only gave him a $40,000 fine.
1182
01:10:30,251 --> 01:10:32,761
Which was the toughest part
of it all for me to accept
1183
01:10:32,761 --> 01:10:36,511
because, hey, I pay $40,000
any day to be able to cheat
1184
01:10:36,511 --> 01:10:37,934
and win the Indy 500.
1185
01:10:41,101 --> 01:10:44,211
I blame the USAC and the
Indianapolis officials.
1186
01:10:44,211 --> 01:10:47,181
What they needed to do
was uphold the decision.
1187
01:10:47,181 --> 01:10:48,641
But they crumbled under the pressure
1188
01:10:48,641 --> 01:10:50,291
and they threw out the rule book.
1189
01:10:52,971 --> 01:10:55,451
The fact is that Bobby would've probably
1190
01:10:55,451 --> 01:10:56,441
won the race anyway.
1191
01:10:56,441 --> 01:10:58,354
So why even bother to cheat like that?
1192
01:11:00,961 --> 01:11:04,964
- You know I can't believe
that I'm listening to this.
1193
01:11:07,281 --> 01:11:09,984
I disagree in everything
that Mario has said.
1194
01:11:10,961 --> 01:11:14,941
Except the very last part
where USAC handle this matter
1195
01:11:14,941 --> 01:11:18,134
really badly, I totally agree with that.
1196
01:11:19,461 --> 01:11:22,571
So let me put the matter
straight, number one.
1197
01:11:22,571 --> 01:11:27,211
The $40,000 fine was to
pay for the court fees
1198
01:11:27,211 --> 01:11:32,114
that USAC had to pay, it
was not a fine as such.
1199
01:11:33,031 --> 01:11:35,221
They could do that as it
was no rule to stop them.
1200
01:11:35,221 --> 01:11:39,061
Number two, the rule book
states at any car leaving
1201
01:11:39,061 --> 01:11:42,924
the pits from the exit to
be completed in turn two.
1202
01:11:44,731 --> 01:11:48,014
Now let's just say that it
wasn't legal, even though it was.
1203
01:11:48,851 --> 01:11:52,431
Mario did the exact same thing behind me.
1204
01:11:52,431 --> 01:11:53,781
So don't tell me it's wrong for me,
1205
01:11:53,781 --> 01:11:56,354
but it's okay for Mario Andretti.
1206
01:11:58,131 --> 01:12:01,821
Now I passed eight cars,
1207
01:12:01,821 --> 01:12:03,691
which I own up to,
1208
01:12:03,691 --> 01:12:05,984
Mario who was behind me, he passed two.
1209
01:12:07,101 --> 01:12:08,881
Now that wasn't in the rules we
1210
01:12:10,171 --> 01:12:11,451
would've both been penalized.
1211
01:12:11,451 --> 01:12:15,181
- That's Bobby, Bobby you can't interpret
1212
01:12:15,181 --> 01:12:16,901
the rules to your own liking
1213
01:12:16,901 --> 01:12:19,051
or create new rules just for you.
1214
01:12:19,051 --> 01:12:22,001
That rule is just as plain
as you could ever paint it.
1215
01:12:22,001 --> 01:12:23,484
You cheated and you know it.
1216
01:12:25,831 --> 01:12:29,041
- Let me tell you, the people
who made a decision on this
1217
01:12:29,041 --> 01:12:31,891
didn't know anything during that race.
1218
01:12:31,891 --> 01:12:34,241
No penalty, no nothing.
1219
01:12:34,241 --> 01:12:36,581
The official did not say that Bobby Unser
1220
01:12:36,581 --> 01:12:38,581
did anything wrong.
1221
01:12:38,581 --> 01:12:42,201
Nothing occurred until sometime after
1222
01:12:42,201 --> 01:12:44,214
the tapes of the race reviewed.
1223
01:12:45,691 --> 01:12:49,361
- Mario, do you think that we
would still be discussing this
1224
01:12:49,361 --> 01:12:51,831
if ABC didn't make such a big deal
1225
01:12:51,831 --> 01:12:53,965
of this on their telecast?
1226
01:12:53,965 --> 01:12:57,181
- Yeah, but you have to remember
back then the procedure was
1227
01:12:57,181 --> 01:12:59,871
that they penalize after
they looked at the tapes
1228
01:12:59,871 --> 01:13:01,161
of the complete race overnight
1229
01:13:01,161 --> 01:13:03,501
and that was just the normal procedure.
1230
01:13:03,501 --> 01:13:06,061
But after that 81 Indy 500 incident,
1231
01:13:06,061 --> 01:13:09,631
they agreed if there was going
to be a penalty put in place
1232
01:13:09,631 --> 01:13:12,654
that severe they need to
call the guy in right away.
1233
01:13:15,801 --> 01:13:18,711
And if he would have been
more in during the race,
1234
01:13:18,711 --> 01:13:20,951
then maybe he could've made it right then
1235
01:13:20,951 --> 01:13:22,331
he could've been placed back
1236
01:13:22,331 --> 01:13:25,371
to where he should've been, restart.
1237
01:13:25,371 --> 01:13:26,781
And then he could've made it up.
1238
01:13:26,781 --> 01:13:28,421
And hey, trust me, he would have,
1239
01:13:28,421 --> 01:13:30,134
he had a great car that day.
1240
01:13:31,131 --> 01:13:34,951
- I have got to add, there was
never a penalize rule written
1241
01:13:34,951 --> 01:13:39,381
for this supposed infraction,
but let's just say
1242
01:13:40,441 --> 01:13:42,884
Mario is right and I am wrong.
1243
01:13:43,821 --> 01:13:44,934
What is the penalty?
1244
01:13:46,031 --> 01:13:47,531
Where was the penalty written?
1245
01:13:49,051 --> 01:13:51,024
Where was the penalty verbally given?
1246
01:13:52,091 --> 01:13:53,251
It was never given!
1247
01:13:53,251 --> 01:13:54,374
It was never written!
1248
01:13:55,811 --> 01:13:58,971
So when you leave the pits you
cannot blend into the group
1249
01:13:58,971 --> 01:14:02,121
of cars between turn one and turn two,
1250
01:14:02,121 --> 01:14:03,674
that was against the rules.
1251
01:14:04,761 --> 01:14:07,571
And in the rule book, but it
states that you must blend into
1252
01:14:07,571 --> 01:14:10,074
the track coming off a turn two.
1253
01:14:11,051 --> 01:14:13,484
And it had a specific
place marked for that.
1254
01:14:14,708 --> 01:14:17,604
How can that not be understood by anybody?
1255
01:14:18,591 --> 01:14:21,661
- Okay, all I have to
say is that even though
1256
01:14:21,661 --> 01:14:23,021
I didn't win the race.
1257
01:14:23,021 --> 01:14:25,421
I started last ended up finishing second,
1258
01:14:25,421 --> 01:14:26,614
and I am proud of that.
1259
01:14:27,711 --> 01:14:32,021
- After the incident of
the 1981 Indianapolis 500,
1260
01:14:32,021 --> 01:14:36,541
Bobby Unser decided to retire
from race car driving in 1982.
1261
01:14:36,541 --> 01:14:39,931
Leaving brother Al Unser on the track.
1262
01:14:39,931 --> 01:14:41,081
- [Announcer] Hello, ladies and gentlemen,
1263
01:14:41,081 --> 01:14:44,641
and welcome to the 71st Indianapolis 500.
1264
01:14:44,641 --> 01:14:47,191
No event is as large and
dramatic with a wealth
1265
01:14:47,191 --> 01:14:51,081
of compelling stories like the
Indianapolis 500 Motor Race.
1266
01:14:51,081 --> 01:14:54,381
We have AJ Foyt trying to
capture his fifth title win.
1267
01:14:54,381 --> 01:14:57,481
Plus Mario Andretti trying to
break 17 years of freakishly
1268
01:14:57,481 --> 01:14:59,614
bad racing luck at Indianapolis.
1269
01:15:00,841 --> 01:15:03,091
All the difficulties
and the drivers have had
1270
01:15:03,091 --> 01:15:04,841
in keeping these cars off the wall
1271
01:15:04,841 --> 01:15:06,521
as we get ready to call the race.
1272
01:15:06,521 --> 01:15:08,421
But never before has
there been a front row
1273
01:15:08,421 --> 01:15:09,701
as strong as this one.
1274
01:15:09,701 --> 01:15:12,941
Mario Andretti, Bobby
Ray Hall and Rick Mears,
1275
01:15:12,941 --> 01:15:15,271
each have won the race and each today
1276
01:15:15,271 --> 01:15:16,704
are on the top of his form.
1277
01:15:19,171 --> 01:15:24,031
- It wasn't until 1987 that Al
Unser won his next and fourth
1278
01:15:24,031 --> 01:15:25,484
Indy 500 title.
1279
01:15:30,241 --> 01:15:33,841
With no car to race, Al
Unser thought that his career
1280
01:15:33,841 --> 01:15:35,891
as a race car driver was over.
1281
01:15:35,891 --> 01:15:39,461
But it wasn't until Dan Ongus crashed in
1282
01:15:39,461 --> 01:15:43,601
the practice session that
left the door open to Al Unser
1283
01:15:43,601 --> 01:15:47,554
to compete in the 71st Indianapolis 500.
1284
01:16:08,450 --> 01:16:09,361
- None of us places winning,
1285
01:16:09,361 --> 01:16:11,011
second place doesn't I know that
1286
01:16:11,011 --> 01:16:12,838
so, that's how I came to realize
1287
01:16:12,838 --> 01:16:14,416
that I couldn't do it no more,
1288
01:16:14,416 --> 01:16:16,541
in 1999, I decided to hang up.
1289
01:16:16,541 --> 01:16:19,454
- Yes, sir, you can keep
your eye on the Unsers.
1290
01:16:20,331 --> 01:16:22,153
They were born to race.
1291
01:16:22,153 --> 01:16:24,653
(tense music)
103257
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