Auto Race Car Driver. He was a member of the famous Unser family and nephew of the late Louis "Uncle Louie" Unser, nine time winner of the Pike's Peak Hillclimb, twin brother of the late Jerry Unser, 1957 USAC National Stock Car Champion who died May 17, 1959 of injuries received in a May 2nd practice accident while preparing for his second Indianapolis 500. Older brother of four time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser (1970,71,78.87) and three time Indianapolis 500 winner, Bobby Unser (1968,75,81), uncle of two time Indianapolis 500 winner, Al Unser, Jr (1992,94), five time Indianapolis 500 starter Johnny Unser, two time Indianapolis 500 starter, Robby Unser and the now retired Bobby Unser, Jr who competed in Sprint Cars, Formula Vees and the Pike's Peak Hillclimb. His father Jerry, Sr and uncle Joseph were also race car drivers. Louie's driving career came to an end in 1964 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He then worked for Carrol Shelby's Cobra team building engines, doing machine work and as a member of the pit crew. In 1966 he retired from active trackside work to concentrate on his own engine business. His engines powered brother Bobby and racing legend, Mario Andretti to Pike's Peak victories and numerous wins in sprint, sports car and boat races. He was the chief machanic for brothers Jerry and Al in their Indianapolis 500 debuts in 1958 and 1965. Confined to a wheel chair since the 1970s, Unser lost most of his upper body strength, but kept active in his shop until the disease took its toll in the mid 1990s.
Auto Race Car Driver. He was a member of the famous Unser family and nephew of the late Louis "Uncle Louie" Unser, nine time winner of the Pike's Peak Hillclimb, twin brother of the late Jerry Unser, 1957 USAC National Stock Car Champion who died May 17, 1959 of injuries received in a May 2nd practice accident while preparing for his second Indianapolis 500. Older brother of four time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser (1970,71,78.87) and three time Indianapolis 500 winner, Bobby Unser (1968,75,81), uncle of two time Indianapolis 500 winner, Al Unser, Jr (1992,94), five time Indianapolis 500 starter Johnny Unser, two time Indianapolis 500 starter, Robby Unser and the now retired Bobby Unser, Jr who competed in Sprint Cars, Formula Vees and the Pike's Peak Hillclimb. His father Jerry, Sr and uncle Joseph were also race car drivers. Louie's driving career came to an end in 1964 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He then worked for Carrol Shelby's Cobra team building engines, doing machine work and as a member of the pit crew. In 1966 he retired from active trackside work to concentrate on his own engine business. His engines powered brother Bobby and racing legend, Mario Andretti to Pike's Peak victories and numerous wins in sprint, sports car and boat races. He was the chief machanic for brothers Jerry and Al in their Indianapolis 500 debuts in 1958 and 1965. Confined to a wheel chair since the 1970s, Unser lost most of his upper body strength, but kept active in his shop until the disease took its toll in the mid 1990s.
Bio by: Jim Adams
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