Al Unser Jr. was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence after being involved in a crash on the Las Vegas Beltway in Nevada. Unser, 44, was identified as the driver of a car that sideswiped another vehicle around 11:00 am Thursday and then fled the scene.
Unser’s car was slightly damaged though the other vehicle struck a concrete median. Neither driver was reported to be injured. According to Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Honea, Unser failed several field sobriety tests. Unser was charged with Nevada DUI, misdemeanor hit and run, failure to render aid in an accident and failure to report an accident.
Unser is the son of Indianapolis 500 racing legend Al Unser and nephew of three-time Indy winner Bobby Unser. In 1992 and 1994, Unser, Jr. won the Indy 500. He also won two CART (now Champ Car Racing) points titles and was the youngest ever IROC champion.
Unser has a history of alcohol abuse and depression. He went through alcohol rehabilitation treatment in 2002 after reportedly striking his girlfriend in the face while drunk.
Unser’s defense attorney has declined comment on the Nevada DUI incident.
