We lost a true giant in racing yesterday. He was a good neighbor and fellow New Mexican, and contributed much to the community, cars, and racing. He also was one of the judges who frequently judged my Corvettes at our Santa Fe Concorso events over the years. We will miss talking with him about cars and racing, be will be missed.
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Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New Mexico -
Re: OT Checkered Flag, RIP Al Unser Sr.
One of my heroes growing up. That Blue Johnny Lightning Special Indy Car with the yellow lightning streaks is burned into my brain! So beautiful. They made a hot wheels type car carrier of that car. The top lifted up, like a funny car, and you put you little cars inside to hold them. I still have one of these!NCRS New England Chapter Chairman 2022, 2024
N E Regional Chairman 2024
1967 Corvette Convertible Under Restoration
1996 Corvette Coupe NCRS Chapter Top Flight 99.5, NCRS National Top Flight 100.0 -
Re: OT Checkered Flag, RIP Al Unser Sr.
Big Al was the epitome of the racing adage, "In order to finish first, one must first finish". Not only did he win the Indy 500 four times, he was second three times, and third three times. And of course he's got the original Corvette pace car.
big al.jpgComment
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Re: OT Checkered Flag, RIP Al Unser Sr.
20190309_112717_resized.jpg20190309_112454_resized.jpgWell said, and that brings up an Al story I have. That Pace Car, VIN #2, is displayed in the Unser's museum here. Our NCRS chapter took a trip there for a tech session once and used it. I had known Al for several years and he remembered me after judging some of my cars at the Santa Fe Concorso over the years (he was joined by Sir Stirling Moss in that judging, tough judges...). He came over as we were going over the car, and I commented on the paint job. I pointed out all the cracking, crazed areas, thinning coverage, etc., and asked Al why he had left it out in the hot New Mexico sun for years, as it looked like had been done. He laughed and said that car had been put in a garage immediately after he received it and then the museum and had never been outside in its' life. He said, that's just an example of the poor painting jobs done in St. Louis. We all had a good laugh. BTW, he also has a great collection of Model A Fords.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: OT Checkered Flag, RIP Al Unser Sr.
That's interesting. You would think someone at the factory would have said, "This car is going to the speedway, the winner of the race will get it. a lot of people are going to see this car. Let's try to make it as perfect as possible.'Originally posted by Michael Johnson (49879)
But as of Monday, anybody wants to see that car or any of the rest of the Unser collection will have to go to Nebraska:https://unserracingmuseum.com/Comment
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Re: OT Checkered Flag, RIP Al Unser Sr.
Yes, New Mexico's loss is Nebraska's gain. A sad day when we lose the most distinctive museum to our most distinctive and famous family. I'm afraid the St. Louis workers really had no interest in making one car any better than another, John's presentation in Tucson showed the state of that place as the late C3s were being built.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: OT Checkered Flag, RIP Al Unser Sr.
He allowed me to sit in his race car after his win at Indy. The cars looked so nice on the outside; and were set with bailing wire tape and foam on the inside. I am 5'8" tall and I had trouble getting into his car. He was much taller and I was amazed how he got into it. We lost a true icon!Comment
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