Bobby Unser Collection Highlights

Jerry and Mary Unser of Albuquerque, New Mexico, belonged to the "First Family of American Racing." While Jerry and his brothers all raced, their efforts were eclipsed by Jerry's sons Jerry Jr., Louie, and especially Bobby and Al. Mary was a regular at the Indianapolis 500, where her two youngest sons won a combined seven times between 1968 and 1987.

Bobby Unser became one of America's most successful racing drivers. He earned two USAC National Championships, one IROC Championship, three Indianapolis 500 victories, and 13 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb wins. He raced Indy cars, sprint cars, stock cars, and midgets in a career that spanned 32 years. The Unser clan is regarded as the "First Family of American Racing."

Bobby Unser's three Indianapolis 500 victories were impressive enough, but he really shined at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He won 13 climbs over 30 years, from 1956 to 1986. While Unser made his wins seem effortless, they were the result of innovative car design, skilled driving, and careful study of the course's many twists and turns.

Bobby Unser is in the car that carried him to seven of his 13 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb victories. Unser continually modified the Chevrolet-powered car over the years, reducing its weight by changing the frame and substituting aluminum components wherever practical. The car won Pikes Peak in 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1966, and 1968.

Bobby Unser became one of America's most successful racing drivers. He earned two USAC National Championships, one IROC Championship, three Indianapolis 500 victories, and 13 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb wins. He raced Indy cars, sprint cars, stock cars, and midgets in a career that spanned 32 years. The Unser clan is regarded as the "First Family of American Racing."

Bobby Unser's three Indianapolis 500 victories were impressive enough, but he really shined at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He won 13 climbs over 30 years, from 1956 to 1986. While Unser made his wins seem effortless, they were the result of innovative car design, skilled driving, and careful study of the course's many twists and turns.

Bobby Unser, Jr., followed in his father's footsteps and led the Unser clan into its third generation of racing. While he competed in various events from 1976 to 1985, he ultimately chose to make his career outside of motorsports. Notably, he worked as a stunt driver for various movies, television programs and commercials.

Al Unser, Sr., Bobby Unser's younger brother, made his own lasting impact on American racing in a career that ran from 1957 to 1994. His accomplishments included a USAC National Championship, two Indy Car World Series Championships, and four Indianapolis 500 wins. He also earned three top-ten NASCAR Cup Series finishes.

Bobby Unser won the first of his three Indianapolis 500 victories in 1968. One of the STP-sponsored turbine-powered cars was expected to take the checkered flag that year, but mechanical problems took them out. Unser had his own gearbox troubles toward the end of the race, but he managed to cross the finish line with a nearly full-lap lead.

Bobby Unser won the first of his three Indianapolis 500 victories in 1968. One of the STP-sponsored turbine-powered cars was expected to take the checkered flag that year, but mechanical problems took them out. Unser had his own gearbox troubles toward the end of the race, but he managed to cross the finish line with a nearly full-lap lead.

Bobby Unser became one of America's most successful racing drivers. He earned two USAC National Championships, one IROC Championship, three Indianapolis 500 victories, and 13 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb wins. He raced Indy cars, sprint cars, stock cars, and midgets in a career that spanned 32 years. The Unser clan is regarded as the "First Family of American Racing."

Among Bobby Unser's innovations was his use of a modified flow bench to test the aerodynamic efficiency of various undercar tunnel designs. When shaped properly, these tunnels produce suction that literally holds a race car onto the track. Here Unser and his son Robby use the flow bench for its conventional purpose -- testing the airflow through engine intake and exhaust ports.

Bobby Unser won the second of his three Indianapolis 500 victories in 1975. Unser led during lap 174 when the skies let loose with a torrential downpour. Visibility plummeted, the track flooded, and cars spun out of control. Officials ended the race immediately, but it was enough to earn Unser a legitimate trip to victory lane.

Robby Unser followed his father Bobby's footsteps onto the race track. He started racing go-karts at eight years old and moved up to stock cars by age 15. Unser excelled on the family's favored turf, winning the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb eight times starting in 1989. He drove in the Indianapolis 500 twice, in 1998 and 1999.

One of the perks of being an Indianapolis 500 winner -- in addition to a sizeable cash prize and lucrative endorsement opportunities -- is receiving your own copy of the race's pace car. Here is Bobby Unser's 1975 Buick Century Custom V-8, the official pace car of the 1975 race in which Unser claimed his second Indy 500 victory.

The International Race of Champions series was introduced in 1973 as motorsport's version of an all-star game. The best drivers from various types of racing competed together on the same track in identical cars. Given the frequent oval track format, NASCAR and Indy drivers dominated. Bobby Unser won the 1975 IROC championship. The last IROC series took place in 2006.

Like most successful racing drivers, Bobby Unser made several product endorsements during his career. Among his best-known efforts were those on behalf of Ortega brand foods. For many years Unser's mother, Mary, held a chili cookout in connection with the Indianapolis 500. Her spicy chili recipe is still well loved.

Like most successful racing drivers, Bobby Unser made several product endorsements during his career. Among his best-known efforts were those on behalf of Ortega brand foods. For many years Unser's mother, Mary, held a chili cookout in connection with the Indianapolis 500. Her spicy chili recipe is still well loved.

The International Race of Champions series was introduced in 1973 as motorsport's version of an all-star game. The best drivers from various types of racing competed together on the same track in identical cars. Given the frequent oval track format, NASCAR and Indy drivers dominated. Bobby Unser won the 1975 IROC championship. The last IROC series took place in 2006.

The International Race of Champions series was introduced in 1973 as motorsport's version of an all-star game. The best drivers from various types of racing competed together on the same track in identical cars. Given the frequent oval track format, NASCAR and Indy drivers dominated. Bobby Unser won the 1975 IROC championship. The last IROC series took place in 2006.

Bobby Unser won the last of his three Indianapolis 500 victories in 1981. It was his hardest-won triumph. Unser crossed the finish line first but, the next day, officials ruled that he passed cars illegally during a caution and penalized him one position. Unser appealed and, after four months of review, he was reinstated as the rightful winner.

Bobby Unser won the last of his three Indianapolis 500 victories in 1981. It was his hardest-won triumph. Unser crossed the finish line first but, the next day, officials ruled that he passed cars illegally during a caution and penalized him one position. Unser appealed and, after four months of review, he was reinstated as the rightful winner.

After his retirement from competitive racing, Bobby Unser made a second career as a television broadcaster. At various times, Unser provided commentary on auto races for ABC, NBC, and ESPN.

Bobby Unser won the second of his three Indianapolis 500 victories in 1975. Unser led during lap 174 when the skies let loose with a torrential downpour. Visibility plummeted, the track flooded, and cars spun out of control. Officials ended the race immediately, but it was enough to earn Unser a legitimate trip to victory lane.