Jerry Unser Jr.

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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 Unser
BornJeremy Michael Unser Jr.
(1932-11-15)November 15, 1932
Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.
DiedMay 17, 1959(1959-05-17) (aged 26)
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Championship titles
USAC Stock Car (1957)
AAA/USAC Stock Car career
Years active1956–1958
Championships1
Best finish1st in 1957
Champ Car career
3 races run over 3 years
Best finish28th (1955)
First race1955 Pikes Peak Hill Climb (Pikes Peak)
Last race1959 Race of Champions (Trenton)
Wins Podiums Poles
0 0 0
Formula One World Championship career
Active years19581959
TeamsKurtis Kraft, Kuzma
Entries2 (1 start)
Championships0
Wins0
Podiums0
Career points0
Pole positions0
Fastest laps0
First entry1958 Indianapolis 500
Last entry1959 Indianapolis 500

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.

His 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

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On May 2, 1959, on the second day of qualifying 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

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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 1 World Championship race but scored no World Championship points.

Complete Formula One World Championship results

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(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
31
BEL
FRA
GBR
GER
POR
ITA
MOR
NC 0
1959 Kuzma Offenhauser L4 MON
500
DNQ
NED
FRA
GBR
GER
POR
ITA
USA
NC 0

References

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  1. ^ "Jerry Unser". www.champcarstats.com. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
  2. ^ "Driver Jerry Unser Dies of Crash Burns (May 18, 1959)". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
  3. ^ "Indy 500 deadly accidents, 1959, Jerry Unser". indymotorspeedway.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
  4. ^ "Unser Racing Museum - Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico". www.unserracingmuseum.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
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Sporting positions
Preceded by USAC Stock Car Champion
1957
Succeeded by
Preceded by Formula One fatal accidents
May 17, 1959
Succeeded by