INDIANAPOLIS, June 29 (UPI) -- The highly successful and occasionally controversial racing career of Al Unser Jr. has come to an end.
The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner will announce his retirement as a driver Wednesday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Unser's retirement was confirmed by an executive member of the Speedway, who said Unser will remain with Patrick Racing in a management capacity.
In three races this season, Unser has had a difficult time competing. He started 22nd and finished 21st in Saturday night's IRL SunTrust Indy Challenge at Richmond International Raceway, two weeks after starting 20th and finishing 11th at Texas Motor Speedway.
In this year's Indy 500, Unser started and finished 17th.
It was a snowmobile crash in New Mexico last October that may have ended Unser's career. He suffered a broken pelvis in that crash and when he returned to racing, he admittedly was out of shape as he was unable to work out because of his injuries.
Two years ago, Unser entered an alcohol treatment program after he was involved in an altercation with his girlfriend in Indianapolis.
