Unser Injured in Crash on Practice Run
BROOKLYN, Mich. — Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser broke his right collarbone and right thigh today in a crash during practice for Sunday’s Marlboro 500 at Michigan International Speedway.
Witnesses said the 51-year-old Unser hit the wall after the right rear suspension broke as he drove through turns three and four on the two-mile, high-banked oval.
His new Alfa Romeo-powered Lola was badly damaged in the crash, and the CART safety crew had to tear it apart to get Unser out of the tangled wreck.
Unser’s top lap of the opening practice session was 208.412 m.p.h.
The longtime Indy-car star, only a part-time performer on the circuit this season, was transported to W. A. Foote Hospital in nearby Jackson, Mich. Track officials said Unser was conscious and alert.
Dr. Terry Trammell said Unser would likely be transferred later today by air to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis where he would undergo surgery for his injuries.
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