Jerry Unser Jr.

Jeremy Michael Unser Jr. (November 15, 1932 – May 17, 1959) was an American racecar driver. He was the 1957 USAC Stock Car champion.

Jerry Unser
Born	Jeremy Michael Unser Jr. (1932-11-15)November 15, 1932 Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.
Died	May 17, 1959(1959-05-17) (aged 26) Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Championship titles
USAC Stock Car (1957)
AAA/USAC Stock Car career
Years active	1956–1958
Championships	1
Best finish	1st in 1957
Champ Car career
3 races run over 3 years
Best finish	28th (1955)
First race	1955 Pikes Peak Hill Climb (Pikes Peak)
Last race	1959 Race of Champions (Trenton)
Wins Podiums Poles 0 0 0
Formula One World Championship career
Active years	1958–1959
Teams	Kurtis Kraft, Kuzma
Entries	2 (1 start)
Championships	0
Wins	0
Podiums	0
Career points	0
Pole positions	0
Fastest laps	0
First entry	1958 Indianapolis 500
Last entry	1959 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

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.

Indianapolis 500 results

Year	Car	Start	Qual	Rank	Finish	Laps	Led	Retired
1958	92	24	142.755	23	31	0	0	Crash T3
Totals						0	0

Starts	1
Poles	0
Front row	0
Wins	0
Top 5	0
Top 10	0
Retired	1

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 1 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 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

External links

• Jerry Unser Jr. at Find a Grave