Daytona statement on Unser retirement

Retiring Al Unser Jr. Had His Share Of Success At Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (June 30, 2004) -- Al Unser Jr., one of the most popular and successful drivers in open-wheel racing history, announced his retirement on Wednesday from racing.

While Unser Jr. accomplished most of his motorsports achievements in the open-wheel ranks, he also found success in other racing venues such as Daytona International Speedway.

Unser Jr., who has four career victories at the "World Center of Racing," made 13 starts in the Crown Royal IROC Series at DIS and captured his lone victory in the invitation-only all-star series in 1997.

He was also a regular competitor in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, making six starts in one of the most prestigious sports car races in the world. Driving with the late Al Holbert and Derek Bell, he captured the overall victory in 1986 driving a Porsche 962.

In 1987, Unser Jr. was able to pull off back-to-back overall victories in the Rolex 24 with Holbert, Bell and Chip Robinson in a Porsche 962.

Co-driving with Holbert, Unser Jr. also captured a victory in an IMSA Finale in 1985.

"Because of its storied history, Daytona International Speedway has had the luxury of attracting some of the top drivers in motorsports to compete here," said Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. "With his two Rolex wins, an IROC win and an IMSA Finale win at the "World Center of Racing," Al Unser, Jr. has shown that he is one of the finest drivers to ever compete in the sport."

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