A Checkered Past

Al Unser, Jr. was one of my favorite drivers growing up. I remember him driving Galles Racing Valvoline car to Penske Racing Marlboro car dominating in late 80s through early 90s with two CART championships and two Indy 500 victories along 27 wins during that stretch. Late 90s happened with the open wheel split and he was no longer winning and struggling to finish inside the top 5. At twilight of his career he would jump to IRL in 2000 getting three victories in four full time seasons. But during that time news of his personal demons became public. He would call it a career with his final race in 2007 Indy 500.

He wrote his autography and released it late last year. I picked it up and was it a ride to read. Al Jr. exposed his soul throughout the entire book. The first chapter starts off of him at his darkest period contemplating on committing suicide. He would talk about his personal life growing up in a racing family with his famous father (late Al Sr) and uncle (late Bobby), getting into racing, the good and bad times with late ex-wife, the elation of victories and the agony of defeat and disappointments especially not qualifying for 1995 Indy 500. The big one was his alcohol/substance abuse on when he started dabbling it to getting to a point of spiraling out of control and hitting rock bottom. One of his admissions that surprised me was he and his late ex-wife partied for four weeks straight on drugs going into final race at Miami where he had a shot at the CART championship in 1985. He end up runner up in the championship behind his father the late Al Sr. There be times he didn't show up in testing or be hung over if he did. His drinking and partying became open secret in the CART paddock. In his later chapters he talked about alcohol addiction and how difficult to stay sober. He admitted to having a relapse just hours after getting out rehab. The hits kept coming with DUIs arrest as well domestic violence, broken relationship, and suicidal depression. Yet he fighting back his demons spiritually knowing the struggle is still there while he's clean and sober.

It's depressive but informative read. Away from being a race car driver Al Unser, Jr. showed he's a flawed human being just like everyone. Hope he's strong enough to get away from his vices for good. I also hope he's doing fine after losing both his father and uncle last year months apart. If you a race fan its a good pick up.

You can order his book from a link down below.
https://octanepress.com/book/al-unser-jr-checkered-past