Beep, Beep... Bobby Unser's Racing Through

"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." – Bobby Unser

Robert William “Bobby” Unser was born on February 20, 1934 in Colorado Springs. When he turned one, his family moved to Albuquerque, where his father opened a garage along Route 66. From 1953 to 1955, Bobby served in the U.S. Air Force and became a top sharpshooter in military competition.

Unser began racing in 1949 at Roswell Speedway. In 1950, at the age of 15, he won his first championship in Southwest Modified Stock Cars. After his discharge from the service, Bobby and his brothers Jerry and Al decided to pursue racing careers in the United States Auto Club (USAC). Tragically, Jerry died in a crash while practicing for the Indianapolis 500 in 1959.

In 1955, Bobby debuted at Pike's Peak, dubbed "Unser's Peak" because of his family's history of success at the hill climb. He finished fifth that year, behind his two brothers, but a year later he won his first championship there. Bobby went on to win the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb a record 10 times, including six times in a row from 1958 to 1963.

During his Champ Car career, Bobby won 35 of the 258 races he entered and finished 2nd or 3rd on 48 other occasions. However, he is best known for his three Indy 500 wins spread over three different decades – 1968, 1975, and 1981. His victory in 1981 was marred by controversy when both he and second-place finisher Mario Andretti passed multiple cars under the caution flag. After initially being stripped of the title, Bobby was named the winner five months later but was fined $40,000.

After retiring in 1981, Bobby went on to a highly successful broadcasting career, often reporting on races won by his brother Al and his nephew Al Jr. Bobby, who was the first driver to race over 170 miles per hour at the Indianapolis Speedway, set a new Indy record of 195.940 mph in 1972 after drivers were allowed to add wings to their cars.

During an interview in 2008, Unser said, "I never considered Indianapolis because I didn't think I was good enough. But Rufus (Parnelli Jones) told me I was going and he got me a ride, and I’ll always be indebted to him."

Sounds like Bobby was prepared and so, when opportunity came knocking, he simply opened the door and walked – or should I say “raced” – right on through.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 (BSB)

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President