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Unser was one of six members of the famed motor
racing family to race in the Indy 500.
While Bobby won the Indy 500 in 1968, 1975 and 1981, his brother
Al went one better winning the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing"
four-times.
They remain the only brothers to win the race.
"There simply was no one quite like Bobby Unser," said Roger
Penske, chairman, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Team Penske.
"Bobby was a ferocious competitor on the track and his
larger-than-life personality made him one of the most beloved
and unique racers we have ever seen.
"Bobby brought so much to Team Penske during his time with our
team, including a memorable victory in the 1981 Indianapolis
500."
Unser's last win in 1981 is widely considered to be one of the
most controversial races in Indy 500 history. He crossed the
finish line ahead of Mario Andretti but was ruled to have
illegally passed cars while the race was under caution.
He was penalized one position and Andretti was declared as the
winner.
After a lengthy protest and appeals process, Unser’s penalty was
rescinded, and he was declared the winner of the race in
October, more than four months after the race.
Unser retired with 35 career IndyCar victories and two
championships.
"When you mention icons in racing, and particularly the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Bobby Unser was a legend," said
Doug Boles, president, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"He could drive, and win, in any type of car and on any type of
track.
"And he was magical at Indy."
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto. Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
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