Al Unser is leading under caution in the closing stages and is attempting to join A.J. Foyt as a four-time winner of the "500." Behind him is Tom Sneva, who has yet to win and who is trying NOT to become a four-time runner-up. The green comes out for the sprint to the checker at lap 176 and, surprisingly, a lapped car speeds past both of them. The driver is 21-year-old "rookie" Al Unser, Jr., who is the first in 500 history to be competing against his own father. In a noble attempt to assist his father in winning, he quickly allows "Big Al" to pass, but is less helpful with Sneva. While accused of "blocking," he is in reality running in such a fashion as to disturb the air behind him and make it harder for Sneva to pass. Sneva eventually finds his way around regardless and passes "Big Al" on lap 191. Sneva's subsequent win is tremendously popular, and it gives chief mechanic George Bignotti an unprecedented seventh victory. But everyone is talking about "Little Al."

Add Comment

Photo Comments

No Comments have been left

Rating:

Additional Information:

• ID: 37604
• Taken By: No Photographer
• Taken: February 09, 2006

Tags: