Asian Motor Sports

On one of the most memorable Indianapolis 500 days, A1 TEAM USA, with two-time 500 champion Al Unser Jr charging forward, were poised to make a major impact on this year’s race, when racing fate intervened.

A1 TEAM USA had worked all month to find the right settings for the ‘We the People’ Indy Race car, but had been hindered by rain and cold weather throughout. However, as the weather changed, so did the performance of the car and Unser, the caretaker of his family’s racing legacy of nine previous Indy 500 wins, did not disappoint.

The 90th running of the Indianapolis 500 served up weather that cooked the track surface to 125 degrees, forcing drivers and teams to be at once resourceful and brave, traits that Al Unser Jr has in abundance. Charging all day from his starting position of 27 on the outside of the 9th row, Unser moved constantly up in the standings, ultimately running as high as 12th. Then, during lap 148 of the 200 lap race, Unser had the misfortune of being hit by debris from another car that was coming out of the pit lane in turn 2. Unser, who was running 12th at the time, said, ‘I hit something coming off turn 2… Ran over something. Really hit it on the right side hard. (I) went into (turn) 3, and she just swapped ends on me. I think I punctured a tire. I saw it coming but at 218 mph there is not much one can do.’ The driver was lucky to avoid being hit by other cars, and was able to climb out of the damaged “We the People” car under his own power.

Despite the frustration of being forced off the track early, the Indianapolis 500 was overall a very positive experience for A1 TEAM USA Team Owner, POC member and local tech executive, Rick Weidinger, who was hosting A1’s Founder and Co-Chairman, Sheikh Maktoum. Maktoum commented, ‘We were so thrilled to be here supporting Al Unser Jr’s return to Indy. It is a disappointment that he didn’t get a chance to finish, but it has really been a great experience and I think A1 TEAM USA and the A1GP Series gained attention and exposure in the United States as a result of its participation in the Indy 500 – the greatest spectacle in racing.’

Weidinger commented, ‘It is frustrating when things like this happen and we’re sorry we couldn’t see him cross the finish line at the end of the race, but he was running really well and we’re very pleased and proud of his performance. Al is an amazingly calm driver and a true professional. He is such a great guy and definitely a man of the people. I will never forget the time during qualifying when a large group of people huddled outside the fence by his pit stop and a fan yelled out to Al– “over here Al, come talk to the people – you know we the people.’ The crowds have been so supportive for him and our team. We’ve heard from literally hundreds of people who’ve voiced their support for the A1GP Series, and we’re looking forward to bringing some of those experiences we’ve shared at Indy to next year’s A1GP season. I’ve had discussions with a lot of the drivers here and a lot of them have shown interest in running in A1GP. I think we’re going to have a strong, very capable team next year. In fact, Al and I have discussed his involvement with A1 TEAM USA next season.’

Speaking about his experiences with Al Jr, Weidinger continued: ‘I just want to thank Al Unser Jr., GEICO Insurance and their parent, Berkshire Hathaway, and the entire Dreyer & Reinbold team for organizing such an awesome effort. Things happen so fast on the track that you can’t control, but we were in the running and Al had climbed nearly fifteen spots from his starting position. In fact, A1 TEAM USA is moving forward and co-sponsoring with GlycoMax his race next weekend at the six hour Grand Am event in Watkins Glen, New York. He’s teaming with Burt and Brian Frisselle for Synergy Racing. We can’t wait to see the A1 TEAM USA decals and ‘We the People’ on the rear wing of his A1 TEAM USA Porsche Doran.’

Sheikh Maktoum who flew into Indy directly from Dubai (UAE) was also complimentary of Al Unser Jr’s performance and A1 Team USA’s involvement. ‘Al is a great professional and we were really excited to be part of his return to the Indy 500 and to see him performing so well. Al was climbing in the running and we heard over the radio that he felt the car was in competitive shape. It’s been a great experience and we’re looking forward to seeing him at a few A1GP races once we get season two started next October in Zandvoort, Netherlands.’ Also present as an honorary crew member was Brandon Lloyd, #85 and wide receiver for the Washington Redskins. ‘Brandon did an excellent job of motivating the A1 TEAM USA crew today. Even in 125 degree track temperatures his positive personality and leadership reflected the spirit of Washington’s team.’ commented Rick Weidinger who has known Brandon since he was with the 49ers.

A1GP Series COO David Clare was also in Indy for the 500 for meetings with several driver managers and potential A1 sponsors. ‘I’m very pleased with the level of interest we’re getting from drivers, their management and sponsors,’ stated Clare. ‘Rick and A1 Team USA’s support for the Series through this sponsorship and their dedication to building the A1 brand name here in the US is greatly appreciated. I think we’re truly going to see the benefits for the series as we move forward.’