Jerry Unser Jr.: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|American racing driver (1932–1959)}} | {{short description|American racing driver (1932–1959)}} | ||
{{sources needed|date=December 2025}} | |||
{{Infobox racing driver | {{Infobox racing driver | ||
| name = Jerry Unser | | name = Jerry Unser | ||
| image = | | image =Jerry_Unser-1959.jpg | ||
| caption = | | caption =Unser in 1959 | ||
| birth_name = Jeremy Michael Unser Jr. | | birth_name = Jeremy Michael Unser Jr. | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date|1932|11|15}} | | birth_date = {{birth date|1932|11|15}} | ||
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Jerry was the first of the Unser family to compete at [[Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis]]. In his only start, in [[1958 Indianapolis 500|1958]], he was caught up in a 13-car pileup on the first lap and flew over the turn three wall, emerging unhurt. He died in a practice crash before the [[1959 Indianapolis 500]], leaving behind a widow, Jeanne Unser, and two sons, Jerry and [[Johnny Unser]]. | Jerry was the first of the Unser family to compete at [[Indianapolis 500|Indianapolis]]. In his only start, in [[1958 Indianapolis 500|1958]], he was caught up in a 13-car pileup on the first lap and flew over the turn three wall, emerging unhurt. He died in a practice crash before the [[1959 Indianapolis 500]], leaving behind a widow, Jeanne Unser, and two sons, Jerry and [[Johnny Unser]]. | ||
Unser's brothers [[Al Unser|Al]] and [[Bobby Unser|Bobby]] and his nephew [[Al Unser Jr.|Al Jr.]] have won the "500". His son [[Johnny Unser|Johnny]] and nephew [[Robby Unser|Robby]] have also competed in the race. | |||
==Death== | ==Death== | ||
On May 2, 1959, on the second day of | On May 2, 1959, on the second day of practice for the 1959 Indianapolis 500, Unser lost control of his car coming out of turn 4 on a practice lap. The car hit the wall after spinning, then went end over end down the front straightaway, leaving behind a trail of parts. The car burst into flames as a result. Track officials estimated his speed just before the accident to be about 133 mph. He was conscious during his rescue, yelling "My legs are on fire. Call my wife." Before he could be pulled from the vehicle, the fire had to be put out. Unser was taken to Methodist Hospital with a broken neck and 3rd degree burns over both legs and one arm. In critical condition, he suffered burns over 35 percent of his body, and was in a coma. Unser died from his injuries and pneumonia two weeks later on May 17, 1959. Following the accident, it became mandatory for drivers to wear fire-resistant driving suits. Most drivers already wore the suits, but some drivers at the time wore t-shirts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1959/05/18/page/61/article/driver-jerry-unser-dies-of-crash-burns/|title=Driver Jerry Unser Dies of Crash Burns (May 18, 1959)|website=chicagotribune.com|accessdate=16 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indymotorspeedway.com/v1/500d-59.htm|title=Indy 500 deadly accidents, 1959, Jerry Unser|website=indymotorspeedway.com|accessdate=16 September 2017|archive-date=13 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713030426/http://indymotorspeedway.com/v1/500d-59.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unserracingmuseum.com/family-history.php|title=Unser Racing Museum - Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico|website=www.unserracingmuseum.com|accessdate=16 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211032106/http://www.unserracingmuseum.com/family-history.php|archive-date=11 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
==Indianapolis 500 results== | ==Indianapolis 500 results== | ||
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==World Championship career summary== | ==World Championship career summary== | ||
The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Jerry Unser participated in | The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Jerry Unser participated in one World Championship race but scored no World Championship points. | ||
===Complete Formula One World Championship results=== | ===Complete Formula One World Championship results=== | ||
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[[Category:Racing drivers who died while racing]] | [[Category:Racing drivers who died while racing]] | ||
[[Category:Sports deaths in Indiana]] | [[Category:Sports deaths in Indiana]] | ||
[[Category:Unser family]] | [[Category:Unser family|Jerry Jr.]] | ||
[[Category:USAC Stock Car drivers]] | [[Category:USAC Stock Car drivers]] | ||
{{US-autoracing-bio-stub}} | {{US-autoracing-bio-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:32, 12 December 2025
Template:Short description Template:Sources needed Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Jeremy Michael Unser Jr.[1] (November 15, 1932 – May 17, 1959) was an American racecar driver. He was the 1957 USAC Stock Car champion.
Jerry was the first of the Unser family to compete at Indianapolis. In his only start, in 1958, he was caught up in a 13-car pileup on the first lap and flew over the turn three wall, emerging unhurt. He died in a practice crash before the 1959 Indianapolis 500, leaving behind a widow, Jeanne Unser, and two sons, Jerry and Johnny Unser.
Unser's brothers Al and Bobby and his nephew Al Jr. have won the "500". His son Johnny and nephew Robby have also competed in the race.
Death
On May 2, 1959, on the second day of practice for the 1959 Indianapolis 500, Unser lost control of his car coming out of turn 4 on a practice lap. The car hit the wall after spinning, then went end over end down the front straightaway, leaving behind a trail of parts. The car burst into flames as a result. Track officials estimated his speed just before the accident to be about 133 mph. He was conscious during his rescue, yelling "My legs are on fire. Call my wife." Before he could be pulled from the vehicle, the fire had to be put out. Unser was taken to Methodist Hospital with a broken neck and 3rd degree burns over both legs and one arm. In critical condition, he suffered burns over 35 percent of his body, and was in a coma. Unser died from his injuries and pneumonia two weeks later on May 17, 1959. Following the accident, it became mandatory for drivers to wear fire-resistant driving suits. Most drivers already wore the suits, but some drivers at the time wore t-shirts.[2][3][4]
Indianapolis 500 results
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World Championship career summary
The Indianapolis 500 was part of the FIA World Championship from 1950 through 1960. Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation. Jerry Unser participated in one World Championship race but scored no World Championship points.
Complete Formula One World Championship results
(key) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)
| Year | Chassis | Engine | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | WDC | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Kurtis Kraft | Offenhauser L4 | ARG |
MON |
NED |
500 31Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
BEL |
FRA |
GBR |
GER |
POR |
ITA |
MOR |
NC | 0 |
| 1959 | Kuzma | Offenhauser L4 | MON |
500 DNQScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
NED |
FRA |
GBR |
GER |
POR |
ITA |
USA |
NC | 0 |
References
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External links
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