IRL: Al Unser Jr. to go Indy Racing in 2000 with Galles Racing

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 23, 1999 - One of the legends of American auto racing is moving to the Pep Boys Indy Racing League in 2000, as team owner Rick Galles announced Tuesday that Al Unser Jr. has signed a multiyear contract to drive for Galles ECR Racing. Unser will drive a G-Force/Oldsmobile/Firestone machine in all 10 Pep Boys Indy Racing League events, including an attempt to win his third Indianapolis 500. Unser is reuniting with Galles, for whom he drove in the early 1980s and from 1988-93. "I am really excited to be back with Rick Galles," Unser said. "Rick gave me my first ride in the Indianapolis 500 in 1983, and we have won every championship title we have ever gone after. Rick operates a first-class organization, and I know his system well." Unser, 37, drove for Galles in 1992 when he earned the first of his two Indianapolis 500 victories. Unser won his second "500" in 1994 driving for Roger Penske. "The Indianapolis 500 is an event that has played an important role in my life and family history, and I am thrilled that I am going to compete in it again," Unser said. Galles has been an Indy Racing League car owner since the league's inaugural season in 1996. He is president and chief executive officer of Galles Motor Company, a family-owned business founded in 1908. Known as a great organizer, Galles' racing teams consistently win the Coors Pit Stop Challenge at Indianapolis. With Unser behind the wheel, Galles Racing won the 1990 CART championship, the 1982 Can-Am championship and the 1981 Super Vee title. Both Galles and Unser live in Albuquerque, N.M. "We are excited to have Al back with us," said Galles. "He is a great driver with tremendous leadership, and that is what our team is all about. We have both made a huge commitment to this program, and I think it is a great opportunity for the team, Al and the Indy Racing League. "The Indy Racing League has come a long way in four years. The engine and chassis specs make this series the most affordable program in racing, and the competition speaks for itself." Unser joins his cousins Johnny Unser and Robby Unser as drivers in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League. Johnny, son of the late Jerry Unser, drove for Hemelgarn Racing in 1999. Robby, son of three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser, drove for Team Pelfrey in 1999. Robby captured the Sprint PCS Rookie of the Year award in 1998 while driving for Team Cheever. Galles ECR Racing is a new partnership between Galles and partial owners Roger Elliot and Tommy Constantine. Galles will own a partial interest in a sister team to be formed by Elliot and Constantine in Scottsdale, Ariz.

-IRL-