Video: Al Unser Qualifies for the 1989 Indianapolis 500

Here’s a cool video of “Big Al” Unser’s qualification run for the 1989 Indianapolis 500, shot by a fan from the E Stand Penthouse. Driving a Marlboro-sponsored Lola/Chevrolet for Penske Racing, Unser was the first driver to qualify and set four new track records in a row! Rick Mears ultimately took the pole that year, with Unser starting second. On race day, Big Al would only complete 68 laps before being forced out with a clutch problem.

There are some of us (myself included) that have never had the pleasure of hearing Tom Carnegie announce “It’s a newwwwww traaaaack recorrrrd…” live at the Speedway. And on this video, we get to hear it four times! Also, note the number of people in the stands… not to mention the lack of rain and reasonable temperatures. The engine note is quite different from today’s cars as well.