Al Unser Jr: I Hurt A Lot of People

Despite a long fight with substance abuse, Al Unser Jr. sits at the table a new man. Is he forgiven by all? Has he forgiven himself? These days, the 59 year old finds his redemption in his walk with faith. Unser Jr. shares how it has given him new life.

[@kP-tm4ih]

this podcast led me to buy his book. Al, you saved my life. I quit my 30 year drug habit because of hearing your story on Dales podcast and reading your book. Al, I have been praying to God to help me find my inner strength to stop the madness,. He chose you to send me the path I needed to follow. btw Dale, over the past year and a half, I have spent 11 hours a day at work listening to every single podcast. thanks.

[@Stapleton42]

We have Al Jrs old motorhome. He wanted to see it so I met him at a Walmart parking lot in Indy. Coolest dude ever. Really glad to see him on the show and can’t wait to listen to the full version.

[@jonkeau5155]

Awesome! Glad to see you over here on the Dale Jr channel, love your content!

[@Stapleton42]

@@jonkeau5155 Thanks man 💪🏻

[@copper4441]

Wonder how much blow was done on your dinette top but glad he's getting better

[@kingdingaling2469]

Noice ! 👍🏿

[@erikrenner]

I met him in 1987 (away from the track) near Michigan Speedway. I was 15. He was one of the most polite, nicest, kindest and genuine drivers I have ever met.

[@jamesupton143]

It takes alot for a man to say "I'm sorry" and to ask for forgiveness. Never has a man been so low but stands tall. Al, Jr thank you for testimony.

[@tednesbitt9579]

...very well said James.

[@hollowpoint45acp]

Crocodile tears

[@johntrauner1401]

If you pickup and drink a can of beer , can you stop right there ? Forever ? And live a happy, complete life ? Questions for you .....

[@barrettsmith881]

Amen🙏💖

[@fmascarenhas]

Well said!

[@vtd3271]

Dale, I have the utmost respect for you now more than ever because of how you allow these people come and share their stories and without judgment. I respect you more as a man than I may have as a driver. Keep up the great work

[@kge420]

This comment is massively underrated. Well done @vtd3271

[@chuckg6039]

@@kge420 Totally agree 1000%

[@billroberts9044]

Very well said, I fully agree.

[@oscarmeeks9752]

Two of the biggest names in motorsports having a deep conversation. Much respect.

[@mikeyoungblood1642]

And both are not only sons of LEGENDS, but Jrs of their LEGENDARY fathers so they carried both the legacy of the family and of the name! Dale Jr and Al Jr got doors opened for them with their names, but their names also came with overblown expectations and burdens

[@stevenikitas8170]

Amazing - 9 Indy 500 victories in his family, won it twice himself and then he doesn't qualify in 1995 and he falls apart. There is much more to this situation than meets the eye. We "regular folks" tend to glamorize racers or any other famous person but there is always a lot going on behind the scenes. Being famous can be a tough, stressful life. Al Jr. is an icon. I watched him race for many, many years. It's too bad what happened to him. I hope he does better. He seems like a nice guy.

[@franyetso4899]

I can't imagine the social pressure a young 19 year old with that kind of heritage in an extremely visible sport would be under. That said, you can't help but wonder if there was a bit better guidance things could have gone better.

[@juniorjohnson9509]

When your whole life is racing, and especially the 500, and trying to live up to the pressure of being the next part of the legacy of the Unser family, having a failure like that in '95 is devastating to the ego. Watched this sort of thig way too many times in professional athletes over the decades.

[@keithbriscoe99]

Exactly... I find myself wishing I could know more, but maybe I really wish it could have just been better for Lil' Al. Very interesting, but no way we could get all of the information I think.

[@thelowlyengineer3325]

You need to consider how/why he didn't qualify. Penske, more or less, bought the 1994 win using an obscure rule and building the Benz-Ilmor engine. That engine had an estimated 100-200hp more than anything else on the grid. USAC closed that loophole before the next 500 in 1995. Then there was "the split" in 1996. I wish Little Al well. I was always a fan. My first 500 was his first win in 1992.

[@izzyplusplusplus1004]

I'm watching this, and I am praying for Al Unser. What a powerful wonderful testimony of redemption. I thank you Lord for your blessing on Mr. Unser.

[@klote82]

Unser nailed it. When you can turn the table to then ask others "How can I help?" or focusing on helping others in general, thats when you really start to heal! 8 years clean from opiates! woohoo!

[@SamZinski]

respect for Al - a great story and example of the fact that we never truly stop growing

[@edblair5253]

Hes got a long way to go

[@horatiobeaker]

Dale’s interview skills and talent are as good as it gets. These are hard conversations to have, and he somehow guides people to have an honest and forthright dialogue.

[@KR1736]

Being a former racer at such a high I think helps him a lot being able to ask the right questions and talk the drivers into good answers

[@cl604driver]

@@KR1736 that’s part of it for sure, without a doubt! But I see Dale Jr as a very good interviewer, really great skills. I would bet he could do great job outside of the racing genre.

[@KR1736]

@@cl604driver I agree 100%. He should teach media classes because he’s really a class act and knows what to do

[@Sturmtiger1965]

This may have been the very best podcast yet. Watching it I could see Dale and Mike really trying to comprehend Al's life and how he has worked at turning it around. Al jr has been one of my favorite drivers for years and I am so pleased that he is getting things moving back in his favor now. Thank you all for just a fantastic interview and show.

[@franyetso4899]

@@happyjohn8256 If they are, they don't show it like some do. It seems that when Christians are together in a close environment, there is a different conversation. I think the questions would have been different and the conversation would have gone in a different direction.

[@Slinger43]

@@happyjohn8256 Can't speak for either, but Dale Jr has stated publicly several times that he believes in God & he believes his Father is with him now ✝️

[@knockywigglesworth1909]

Guarantee, Al juniors Mom has been.praying for him for the past 40+ years. Thank God for those praying Moms...

[@rickydeathtower]

Al Unser Jr. will always be the hero he was while he was in the car to me; talking about his life with this openness and honesty only strengthens his legacy and the respect I have for him.

[@hollowpoint45acp]

he's not a hero. he's a drunkard and DUI driver

[@shawnlevitt8531]

Still my hero Al… now for a few more reasons than wheeling a car! God speed my man!

[@hollowpoint45acp]

Good to idolize drunks

[@jdhaase1417]

I’m glad you had little Al on the show. Looking forward to hearing this podcast! We all have struggles. Wish him the best!

[@hollowpoint45acp]

Nothing little about that tub

[@michaelblanton9847]

The way his face lit up when he mentioned his home and her going to church says a lot. Pay attention ladies and gentlemen.

[@hollowpoint45acp]

Paying attention to his excuses and falseness.

[@Ronaldl2350]

Thanks for bringing Al jr in and sharing his testimony.

[@hollowpoint45acp]

His DUI testimony?

[@ErnieAlgorriernietheattorney]

Amazing display of courage, humility and humanity by Little Al, and you too Dale -your interview skills are worthy of a Pulitzer or a Peabody. You are all great men of skill and courage put under a microscope by the sheer weight of expectations. This interview does a tremendous public service that vastly transcends motorsports. God bless all of you. Was fans of you both and will be so for life. Thanks for posting this.

[@Morpheen999]

Faith can move mountains, glad to see Al's doing a lot better!

[@spaceghost8995]

Nothing fails like faith.

[@toyotaecw]

I’m not a religious man myself nor have my personal demons been as detrimental to myself as Al’s. I don’t care how a person does it, when they turn their life in a positive direction I have deep empathy for them and wish them all the best.

[@jasonjackson5493]

This show is amazing! Why it's not on TV blows my mind

[@hollowpoint45acp]

Because TV is lame

[@dallas7346]

I listened to the full podcast and this was really good. Thankful for Al telling his story and his testimony. You never know who needs to hear that.

[@buddhavb3616]

Amen

[@hollowpoint45acp]

Drunkard

[@haskell71]

Man this interview is one of the best worst tales of what excess and doors opened to you because of who you are and not for what you are. My heart and encouragement goes out to Jr. hope everything works out for him. Can’t imagine the pressure Al Jr and Dale Jr have gone thru in their lives. God bless you both!

[@allongtin1243]

well said ..I kept thinking the same thing. Both Al and Dale have faced immense pressures

[@gregsimon9061]

As a recovering addict it’s the guilt that can keep you in addiction, once you admit to yourself that you need help, you learn how to forgive yourself and start to repair everything else, they teach you how to believe and forgive. Great interview, I respect Al for facing up and excepting his faults and living a clean and sober life. One day at a time.

[@joshalger6059]

Couldn't have said it better my friend....it worked for me!

[@gregsimon9061]

@@joshalger6059 me too 13 years

[@joshalger6059]

@@gregsimon9061 awesome man! Going on 4 here this month

[@gregsimon9061]

@@joshalger6059 Congratulations brother, stay strong one day at a time.

[@ehss192]

Nice to see people turn it around. Good luck to you Greg.

[@muffman8469]

that was touching sure wish him and anyone who is struggling with anything PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jacobhollenbeck6816]

As a recovered addict myself, you're still on that pedestal. We all stumble, but not all of us achieve great things.

[@SteveC-cs6ec]

When The good LORD comes into your life, the world you live in looks totally different. Have always been a fan of little Al. Wish him nothing but the best that he so much deserves. God Bless.

[@deniscook7703]

I love you Al Unser Jr. I never turned away from you. God loves you !

[@scottburrow8717]

Al Unser JR was my favorite cart/Indi car driver when I was younger for sure. One of the greatest drivers to ever sit in a race car. Glad to see him doing better.

[@-BigMike-]

As a former addict myself (13 years clean) when I could finally speak openly about my addiction was when I felt like I won the battle. It took me a good 3 or 4 years to talk about it without getting physically sick. It's a fucked up way to live, there's no doubt. Much respect and congrats to Al Jr., It really takes balls to get on a nationwide platform and admit you hurt those closest to you because of something perceived as negative as addiction.

[@brusox20]

Congrats on being 13 years clean! Here's to many more ahead!

[@bbrcummins1984]

👍👍👍

[@kevinmoran9804]

I always loved Al Unser Jr. My all time favorite driver.

[@robertlantz2206]

I have always been an Al Jr fan and glad to see him getting his life back in order. Great interview.

[@Rusram]

Listening to Al reminds me of how I feel about our church. All of my life I had gone to the "Church of the Fixed" people. Then I followed my son to his church and it truly is a church of the broken. Those people never want to go back to That Life and they live like they're life depends on it. It is impressive and humbling to witness.

[@cat2972]

Great message of how the lord can change your life 🙏 👏

[@rickeh100]

I always liked Al jr. now I have the greatest of understanding and respect for him. Prayers to him and his family.

[@johnwellwood46]

Al Unser Jr. one of the all time greatest drivers of all time in my eyes, loved watching him race and soo happy he's gotten his life on track. you still have lots of fans Lil Al and i'm one of them!

[@hollowpoint45acp]

How was he at the drunk driving?

[@spunky11111111]

Albuquerque loves Little Al & all the Unser family. Hang tough Little Al.

[@aakar88]

Reading Jr's book A Checkered Past, what a life...Must read

[@jameslowrey8419]

Man, it was nice to see Al Unser Jr! He was my favorite driver growing up and got me interested in Racing.

[@castelnausci7315]

Little Al is doing good these days. Nice to see him smile

[@RACECARcreative]

Little Al was a hero of mine growing up, much respect for putting this out in the open.

[@hollowpoint45acp]

he likes the sauce

[@billwhite571]

I watched in Nazareth P.A., Al on crutches after being burned by fuel in the pits a week before climb into his car and practice, qualify, and race. That to me is passion. He will always be a hero to me !

[@heavyhitter3185]

Well that Guy is Brutally Honest! That took a tremendous set of Balls to be on there...and be a open book like that...Al Hang in there...your not alone...Wish you the Best! 🏁🏁🏁

[@timvillanueva5577]

During COVID, I went back and watched all the CART Seasons end to end from 86 -> 94, all because of Al Unser Jr. I remember almost every race in much detail, we were huge Jr. fans. Loved his rivalry with Emmo, and yet his immense friendship with him as well. This interview literally had me in tears, I am so proud of him, and so happy he is finding his way with the love of God. So much good inside Al Jr - the man brought so much to Indycar.

[@nancymcgee4776]

Proof that you never really know what goes on behind closed doors.

[@deadeyedaddy7418]

Always happy to see people turn their life around. The toughest part is without a doubt forgiving yourself.

[@TheSkeeter355]

Al Jr is my all time favorite Indy Car Driver, he was always a class guy at the track, and I like to see him happy and healthy.

[@kart6t3_ben]

Just listened to this episode. Such a amazing story.

[@kellyw9459]

My grampa said"You are as wealthy as the friends you make." You Al are a very wealthy man. Believe in All that you are, cause God's with you. It's the devil trying to take you. Ignor that burning lake of fire. He will go away from your glory! Shine!

[@johnlatulip8923]

I will always and forever be your fan Al.. 2012 nearly destroyed me as well. Our lord saved me as well. Your one of my heros. And I know all of what you speak. Thank you Al User jr.

[@cgrf45]

Growing up this man was my idol. Glad to see he's got his life back together.

[@hollowpoint45acp]

Aim low and this is what you get

[@codymoe4986]

@hollowpoint45acp...Sound advice from an internet troll...

[@emw747]

I found this video by accident, but would like to say that I first Met Al Unser Jr in 1988 during the Toronto Indy. He was very kind, humble and gracious. Over the next 4 or 5 years I would bump into him at a few tracks during race weekend, and despite all of the pressures of the day, he would always be polite and kind to me. I was a huge fan of the person, and still am. god bless him!!

[@sburton223]

Great Interview I have always followed the Unsers because we are New Mexico natives. And little Al always had my respect and I'm very happy to see where he is in his life!!

[@danagibbons99]

Great interview ! So glad he has found God & changed his life to helping others !!

[@stevestudley5685]

Alls that I can say here is Thank You for reality broadcasting. It is so refreshing. When my childhood heroes turn out to be human.

[@tripprogers4814]

God..DEAR GOD, Dale THANK YOU!! And THANK YOU AL!! I am blessed to hear this conversation. I was born in Roswell and grew up in Albuquerque and Austin. The Unser family was such a big part of my upbringing and this was NO INTERVIEW, it was a spiritual awakening telling me I can make it. I spent almost the exact same amount of time trying to figure out why I was addicted to Pain Killers.. we share similar stories. I have been clean since 2011 when my only son was born and I feel the same way about many of the things he discussed. AL, YOU CAN MAKE IT, AND SO CAN I.

[@wesleycartwright2581]

Always been a big fan of Jr, best of luck and success in your personal and family life. God bless

[@hordboy]

Always have been a fan of Al Jr.!

[@mitchelldutto9849]

Man I needed this..sitting here drowning in my own tears. I don't even know how it came up on my phone other than God's will

[@josephmenge1498]

Amazing...incredibly raw,Al Jr. looks like he's had some rough times...I wish him the best...

[@ExKUKicker]

Good for you, Al Jr.✝️👍

[@christianmayhew2617]

I grew up watching Little Al at ASCOT, he was a little older than me and I idolized him, picturing myself racing a Sprint Car, as much as this breaks my heart, it makes me exponentially happier he is healing and found the Lord.

[@johnnystir9796]

Al has always been one of my all-time favorites. He has a lot of people pulling for him because he is who he is. It's a fight every day, and I know he can do it.

[@shawns57garage]

Much respect for Al .. one of my favourite drivers of all time. Truly blessed to hear his side of life. We are all only Human after all

[@josephc3276]

Al Jr. Was always my favorite driver as a coach fan. Will never forget him saying after his first Indy win saying "You don't know what Indy means " God bless and hoping you the best 🙏❤...

[@martymorgan9977]

High five to Unser Jr! Pulling for you big time.

[@pidjones]

I remember the sportsman more than the driver. Applauding Emmo after being spun out of winning at Indy showed enormous sportsmanship.

[@F4atsixx]

He's a hero on or off the track years later!

[@petemoyer452]

Little Al was always my favorite Indycar driver. Glad to hear that he is sober and happy! Keep the faith!

[@pvb876287]

When Al was a rookie, In the nineties, I was in my thirties, going through a bad devorce, partying to medicate. I was winning hockey tournaments. I remember thinking when he won Indy, that I wonder what his future will be like. I kind of identified with him, because I could see the pressure from his celebrity, family and personnality, was going to have on him, and being 15 years older than him. Im glad to see him making it through to recovery, as I have.

[@markmerrell4655]

Awesome show, Dale. I wish and pray for all the best for Al. It’s great to see his life moving in a positive direction.

[@williamwhite2113]

I hadn't heard about Al Jr in years. I'm glad he's now putting his best foot forward and finding God. All the best, Al. Respect to you and Dale Jr.

[@Derek3531]

So impressed that Al Jnr had the strength to go down this road of honesty - I'm pulling for him all the way - DD

[@rodgerlee7302]

Jr. has always been a favorite of mine. I had the pleasure of working with him directly in the late 80's and early 90's when I was General Manager at Bell Auto Racing Helmets. Jr. was a part of our helmet R&D program and a sponsored driver at the time, doing significant testing of new designs and developments at the track. His input was so meaningful and valuable to our efforts. He always was and still is an authentic guy, the best to work with. One time, he came to the Bell Helmet factory in Rantoul, IL, for a factory tour, some R&D sessions and also to spend time with Bell employees who built the helmets he relied on. He spent spent the entire day and hours signing autographs and interacting with every single person that wanted to meet him, literally hundreds of Bell employees in a line that wound all around the manufacturing floor, giving his time and self in a most generous way. Needless to say, the Bell team was always pulling for Jr. at the Indy 500 and every Indy Car race he drove in. I'm happy to hear him doing well and will always treasure the days when I got to work with him. Warm regards Al Jr.

[@rgarri6396]

What a great man trying to make his life better. You are a hero to many, thanks for all the memories.

[@hollowpoint45acp]

Great man? Hardly

[@rickstevens1479]

I was so impressed by Dale jr when he talked about his head injury, this podcast is some Real talk......hope little Al finds peace......Addiction is lonly business, no one can help , only you can do it ...

[@robertdahse4569]

Still a AL Unser Jr fan,stay safe and be well AL 👍

[@SN-nh6pq]

ANY Addiction, drugs, alcohol, eating, etc etc is a extreme battle. Basically you are racing against your own time to survive it. Prayers to Al Unser Jr

[@jamesmagers8306]

For me there was always an Unser to root for. I remember all 9 of their Ind 500 victories. Then Little AL disappeared and I felt almost lost for a while. I still love indy car racing but haven't been to race since 06. Glad he's getting his life back together.

[@chriszanotti7851]

Little Al remember your not alone in yout daily journey s. Forgive yourself /. Your daughters will come around / tell them you love them You work on you

[@stymiesnerdly771]

Absolutely powerful segment! I’m anxious to watch this entire interview. As a kid growing up in central Indiana in the 80’s & 90’s, Little Al was an absolute hero of mine!

[@hollowpoint45acp]

Funny, I always thought he was a world-class p.o.s. This interview confirms it

[@ricknolte6846]

What I love about these podcasts is we get to see you guys as people just like us. Great talk with Al.

[@hollowpoint45acp]

Yep. Just your average drunk

[@dennisperin2989]

I grew up an Al’ Senior, Jr, fan growing up, even Bobby, Unsers v Allison’s i am proud of Al Jr, never to old to grow, you do & will eventually see in the end, you reap what you sow. We all have doubts, he is a Legendary name, but bleeds red like all of us. Formula1, Indy Car ( Open Wheel) drivers are thoroughbreds in the art of speed. Only a few people in the world can do what these brave souls do for a living.

[@markrimelspach7041]

Great interview. Battling addition is so hard but he has gotten to such a good place. People with addiction issues can and do recover. Way to go Al. Best of luck in your future.

[@ramey36]

Tremendous testimony from Little Al. And who would have ever thought Jr would become the journalist he is today. Mike Davis and Jr spent time listening and letting the good stuff flow.

[@LB-ty6ks]

Little Al was always a favorite of mine.

[@supersevenn]

good to see he is finally on the right path in his life. its never too late

[@spacenut58]

Just when you think the show couldn't possibly get any better...Thanks Al, you are now helping other people with your honesty.

[@nevadadan4113]

Not sure if he would even remember, but I gave Al and his wife two CHP sweatshirts about 30 years ago. Always was my favorite Indy driver!!

[@dockey6942]

We don't look at bad side we always look on your good side your good is lot longer then your bad side as you say everbody has had these problems just remember the good ALways look forward just like racing you don't want to look behind because that's trouble you are a good driver thanks for being there

[@justinea4480]

Dale jr love your podcast and I hope the Dale Jr download returns soon

[@michaeljenkins746]

Me too

[@gothard5]

Um, it returned a few weeks ago

[@justinea4480]

@@michaeljenkins746 thank you for agreeing with me 😊 you're a great friend 🤗💜

[@michaeljenkins746]

@@gothard5 we're talking TV coverage or peacock like last 3 yrs.

[@kellyrowland6912]

This was an awesome interview and thanks for also asking some hard questions. So glad to hear that Al , Jr is on the right path.

[@hatzlmike1]

Al Unser Sr and JR all day for me. Illinois boy, Cummins DM….love love love

[@kellyrowland6912]

Great interview with Al, Jr. I’ve often wondered what really happened to him and how he was doing. So good to hear that he’s on the right path and doing so much better. As always, this interview didn’t sugar coat anything.

[@patrickchristie5261]

God bless ya Al,keep your faith alway brother.

[@rodgerhecht3623]

Yeah thete are a lot of us Al jr fans that care about you and how you are doing. Loved your testimony of forgiveness, and for getting out of your on way to help others. Thanks for sharing your story. It will help others.

[@MannyCamRS]

This guy was my all time favorite driver. The Unser name was legendary.

[@hollowpoint45acp]

is he your all time favorite drunk driver?

[@alexclements5631]

Made it to the Unser Museum in Albuquerque 5/26/23 ! Two days before they closed the doors for good, moving to Nebraska, Speedway Museum! There was a line to get in the door all day ! Great cars, bikes and engines! Hate to see it go!!

[@ericvernon5138]

Easily my favorite racing driver of all time and a fantastic interview as well. "you don't know what Indy means." God Speed

[@mattharrington5064]

What a great man!!! Your a blessing Al. Thank you, for still choosing to be here!

[@seanklingensmith7572]

That's freaking awesome that you guys brought in Little Al for a conversation. The first race I ever watched on TV was the '92 Indy 500 as a nine year old. That battle he had with Scott Goodyear in the closing laps made me a race fan for life. Many thanks for the memories!

[@bradklingensmith]

With a name like that I knew the comment would be a good one..

[@seanklingensmith7572]

@@bradklingensmith There must be something in that Klingensmith blood. Especially when it comes to cars. Every Klingensmith male I grew up around was a freaking gear head.