The Indianapolis 500 has always been an interesting mix of old and new. In years past, it often combined the oldstyle, front engined roadsters and the establishment strongly resisted the introduction of the lighter, nimbler, rear engined machines.
However, at the same time, it was a showcase for the shade tree mechanic, who often tried radical features he thought would give them an edge on the competition. Such innovations as turbocharging, turbine engines, four-wheel drive, even six-wheeled vehicles have been tried.
This year, while the race is expected to include names unfamiliar to those who don't normally follow openwheeled racing, it also may have a couple of names very familiar to even casual fans.
This past week, non other than 43 year old Al Unser, Jr. announced he will drive an entry in the annual extravaganza after being retired from racing for two years. The Associated Press reports that Unser will drive for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing in the 500. He will get rolling in IRL speed tests at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in April.
His teammate for D&R Racing is 1996 Indy winner Buddy Lazier.
Unser has gone through a lot in his long career, including a messy divorce and a serious illness striking his child.
He broke his pelvis in an ATV crash in 2003. His last race was for Patrick Racing in the Indy Racing League in 2004 and he missed the first three races of the season because of the injury. He had little apparent success. His best finish in the next three races was 11th.
He started his 17th 500 in May of that year and finished 17th. He ended his driving career when he said he no longer had the passion necessary to compete.
In 2003, Unser, Jr.'s contemporary, Michael Andretti, had retired to devote full time to co-own Andretti Green Racing. During the past winter, Andretti also announced he would return to driving for the 500 this year.
According to the AP, Unser denied that his decision to return had anything to do with Andretti's plans.
He did say that over the past 21 months, he realized his interest in racing hasn't waned. He said that real estate, golf and tennis just did not "do it" for him and he needed to make at least one more run at The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
Owner Dennis Reinbold said that one of his crew members told him about Unser's desire for a comeback and they met several weeks ago. Reinbold said the team was planning a second entry anyway and that Unser still had that "sparkle in his eyes" that showed he wanted to race again.
Unser has a good Indy pedigree. He is the son of Al Unser, Sr., who won the 500 four times, and the nephew of Bobby Unser, who won three. His Uncle Jerry and cousins Johnny and Robby also have driven there.
He has two Indy 500 victories. He also won the CART championship, the IROC championship and the 24 Hour of Daytona twice each.
He said that the new engine package in the IRL, all Hondas, should make things easier by equalizing the competition. He also noted that his son, Al also may get a ride in this year's 500 and that racing against him would be an "ultimate goal."
Activities for the 2006 Indianapolis 500 get underway May 7th and Pole Day is the 13th. The race is set for the 28th.