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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
@@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.
@@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 ✝️
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.
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.
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.
I had heard that Al had struggles after his racing days. This interview made me smile a bit and glad that he's pulled his life back together. Al was always one of my favourites. I saw him at the Molson Indy Toronto many years ago but was too shy to speak to him. I always regretted that. I also fondly remember the "thumbs-up". I remember telling my wife "now that's class".
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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 !
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!
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!
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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 🙏❤...
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.
I was able to meet Al and hang out a couple days when Goodguys had a show in Lincoln, NE across from Speedway Motors. He and Robby were driving the Autocross circuit. I got to ride with him on an autocross run, then he asked to ride with me. I couldn't be more honored. Such a wonderful person.
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.
Thanks to everyone there for this interview. Having Dale Jr. Interview Al Jr. is a cool treat. I loved watching Al Jr and felt as close to the Indy Guys on race day as I did watching Richard Petty, Dale Earnhart, Dale Jarrett, Dale Jr. And the rest. And I always had a special love for Al Unser Jr. Because my dad was an Al Unser senior fan. And Al, I to have had problems with substance abuse. It's been under control for many years (We are the same age) but I always work on it because not using for years doesn't mean I'm cured. So, Al Jr. Thanks for sharing your story, your faith and also, thanks for all the amazing years of watching you compete against Bobby Rahal, Micheal Andretti and the rest. Keep on running the race as Paul said in the bible. You ARE still an inspiration to me!
Al, you may have hurt a lot of people, but thousands of people who admired and were inspired by you were given good goals in life! Those trials that you experienced were your trials that have made you who you are today! God bless!
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!
I lived in Albuquerque for 21 years. I watched Al drive his El Camino speeding up and down Lomas Blvd. My stepfather dated Wanda for a very short time. I used to fish the Riverside drain for trout right behind his home. He had racing rims embedded in the adobe pillars that were located between his fencing. I loved watching him race, especially in the Marlboro car alongside Emerson. I'll never forget when he came in second at the 500. I was screaming watching the race on T.V. Shelly was falling apart emotionally wanting him to win. He finally won the 500 twice. I'll always look up to this great man.
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.
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! 🏁🏁🏁
I always liked Al Unser Jr. as a race car driver, and now I have nothing but respect for him! Thanks for posting this great interview and keep up the great work...👍
Always enjoy Download, but gotta tell ya……there may never be a better one. The honesty from Al and the heartfelt curiosity from JR and Mike, you just don’t get in this world today. Bravo men!
I was one of those kids that was inspired by your thumbs up, Al. And your troubles since then have not changed my opinion of that moment. The 1992 Indy 500 is still one of my favorite racing memories. You were my favorite open wheel racer when I was a kid, the galles team from Albuquerque was awesome to me because I was also from New Mexico. I rooted for you every year in May. Never give up little Al... We are all still here rooting for you.
Sure glad this was uploaded. Al Jr. was my favorite driver during his career and I was sad that he torpedoed so much of his life. Yet now he is forgiven and has a much better life. His struggles will continue but he now has a faith and Lord to help him through.
Met you in 91, Daytona FL....signed my hat. I always loved you and your family, much respect, my favorite Indy driver of all time....we all have demons little Al, it's all good, thanks for sharing....no need to apologize to me.
I realize that I am responding over a year since this was aired. I knew Al all the way back to Sprint Cars in Colorado, Galles Racing and Penske as well. I too struggled greatly with alcohol and substances for many many years. I have experienced many of those same emotional experiences, self doubt, isolation and much more including getting into trouble with the Law. When I was able to find clarity and opened my heart and mind to be willing to change and put God first in everything I do. My world has so amazingly changed for the better and my life continues to blossom. I am so grateful. I say all of this to not only share my transparency but to share my support and believe in Al. In my eyes now he is a champion in two ways, as an incredibly great driver and now as an incredibly blessed man who is rising once again in the eyes of our lord. I hope one day to reconnect with him and let him know I believe in him.
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
Hands down this talk with Al Jr. is the best ever !!!!!!!!!! Guilt drives addiction is true , these young men coming back from these endless wars this country is in goes to show what guilt they are feeling from what they did to other people . They become addicted or kill them self's or they are home less , .................Al Jr. could of became one of those ...Self guilt will destroy you and the people who love you !!
Little AL is one of the best tuners out there. Proud of him that he got the help he needed. I was sad for him when his career fell apart. He’s good now. He is a Winner !
It was an incredible interview. Dale Jr would tell me to stop, but he is one hell of an interviewer. It ain't just the table. He knows when to jump in and keep it moving, and when to stop and listen. It's no coincidence that so many amazing stories have been told at that table.
Al Unser you'll always be one of my heros. You are human and wretched like all of us. It takes balls to share your testimony. And you are saving thousands from potentially making the same mistakes. Thank you.
I gained so much more respect for a person that is willing to talk about his downfalls and work to get to a better place in life. Even more to put it in public and admit it to themselves. Much respect Mr. Unser. Please help the kids that need to hear this story to hear it. Dale Jr., You are a racing legend, but you have found your true calling in these podcasts. There are none better at what you are doing now. Keep up the good work.
![[#2024MAMA] BIGBANG (빅뱅) - 뱅뱅뱅 (BANG BANG BANG) + FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EQsYfiPR9uM/mqdefault.jpg)
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.
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.
Awesome! Glad to see you over here on the Dale Jr channel, love your content!
@@jonkeau5155 Thanks man 💪🏻
Wonder how much blow was done on your dinette top but glad he's getting better
Noice ! 👍🏿
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.
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.
...very well said James.
Crocodile tears
If you pickup and drink a can of beer , can you stop right there ?
Forever ? And live a happy, complete life ?
Questions for you .....
Amen🙏💖
Well said!
Two of the biggest names in motorsports having a deep conversation. Much respect.
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
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
This comment is massively underrated. Well done @vtd3271
@@kge420 Totally agree 1000%
Very well said, I fully agree.
Guarantee, Al juniors Mom has been.praying for him for the past 40+ years. Thank God for those praying Moms...
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.
@@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.
@@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 ✝️
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.
Couldn't have said it better my friend....it worked for me!
@@joshalger6059 me too 13 years
@@gregsimon9061 awesome man! Going on 4 here this month
@@joshalger6059
Congratulations brother, stay strong one day at a time.
Nice to see people turn it around. Good luck to you Greg.
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.
As a recovered addict myself, you're still on that pedestal. We all stumble, but not all of us achieve great things.
I’m glad you had little Al on the show. Looking forward to hearing this podcast! We all have struggles. Wish him the best!
Nothing little about that tub
Thanks for bringing Al jr in and sharing his testimony.
His DUI testimony?
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.
he's not a hero. he's a drunkard and DUI driver
This show is amazing! Why it's not on TV blows my mind
Because TV is lame
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.
I had heard that Al had struggles after his racing days. This interview made me smile a bit and glad that he's pulled his life back together. Al was always one of my favourites. I saw him at the Molson Indy Toronto many years ago but was too shy to speak to him. I always regretted that. I also fondly remember the "thumbs-up". I remember telling my wife "now that's class".
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.
Amen
Drunkard
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.
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
@@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.
@@cl604driver I agree 100%. He should teach media classes because he’s really a class act and knows what to do
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
respect for Al - a great story and example of the fact that we never truly stop growing
Hes got a long way to go
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!
well said ..I kept thinking the same thing. Both Al and Dale have faced immense pressures
I have always been an Al Jr fan and glad to see him getting his life back in order. Great interview.
that was touching sure wish him and anyone who is struggling with anything PRAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
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!
I have always rooted for the Unser family I’m probably their biggest fan.
Man, it was nice to see Al Unser Jr! He was my favorite driver growing up and got me interested in Racing.
Great interview ! So glad he has found God & changed his life to helping others !!
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.
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.
Little Al was always a favorite of mine.
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
Little Al was a hero of mine growing up, much respect for putting this out in the open.
he likes the sauce
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!!
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.
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
Always happy to see people turn their life around. The toughest part is without a doubt forgiving yourself.
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.
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.
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.
Faith can move mountains, glad to see Al's doing a lot better!
Nothing fails like faith.
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.
Reading Jr's book A Checkered Past, what a life...Must read
@@aerofence38 Yes, you should
I always liked Al jr. now I have the greatest of understanding and respect for him. Prayers to him and his family.
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!!
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.
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 !
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.
Great message of how the lord can change your life 🙏 👏
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!
How was he at the drunk driving?
So impressed that Al Jnr had the strength to go down this road of honesty - I'm pulling for him all the way - DD
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!
Amazing...incredibly raw,Al Jr. looks like he's had some rough times...I wish him the best...
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
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.
Congrats on being 13 years clean! Here's to many more ahead!
👍👍👍
Just when you think the show couldn't possibly get any better...Thanks Al, you are now helping other people with your honesty.
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 ...
I must say that Dale Jr. is one of the best interviewers I've seen overall, in any context.
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.
Little Al was always my favorite Indycar driver. Glad to hear that he is sober and happy! Keep the faith!
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.
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.
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 🙏❤...
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.
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.
I was able to meet Al and hang out a couple days when Goodguys had a show in Lincoln, NE across from Speedway Motors. He and Robby were driving the Autocross circuit. I got to ride with him on an autocross run, then he asked to ride with me. I couldn't be more honored. Such a wonderful person.
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.
Still my hero Al… now for a few more reasons than wheeling a car! God speed my man!
Good to idolize drunks
Thanks to everyone there for this interview. Having Dale Jr. Interview Al Jr. is a cool treat. I loved watching Al Jr and felt as close to the Indy Guys on race day as I did watching Richard Petty, Dale Earnhart, Dale Jarrett, Dale Jr. And the rest. And I always had a special love for Al Unser Jr. Because my dad was an Al Unser senior fan. And Al, I to have had problems with substance abuse. It's been under control for many years (We are the same age) but I always work on it because not using for years doesn't mean I'm cured. So, Al Jr. Thanks for sharing your story, your faith and also, thanks for all the amazing years of watching you compete against Bobby Rahal, Micheal Andretti and the rest. Keep on running the race as Paul said in the bible. You ARE still an inspiration to me!
Dale Jr. is a pro, the lack of drama here is amazing. Great presentation and honesty by Al Jr.
Al, you may have hurt a lot of people, but thousands of people who admired and were inspired by you were given good goals in life! Those trials that you experienced were your trials that have made you who you are today! God bless!
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!
Funny, I always thought he was a world-class p.o.s.
This interview confirms it
I lived in Albuquerque for 21 years. I watched Al drive his El Camino speeding up and down Lomas Blvd. My stepfather dated Wanda for a very short time. I used to fish the Riverside drain for trout right behind his home. He had racing rims embedded in the adobe pillars that were located between his fencing. I loved watching him race, especially in the Marlboro car alongside Emerson. I'll never forget when he came in second at the 500. I was screaming watching the race on T.V. Shelly was falling apart emotionally wanting him to win. He finally won the 500 twice. I'll always look up to this great man.
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.
Much respect to Mr. Unser for opening up about his struggles. My prayers go out to him
Al Jr will always be my favorite driver. Love watching him race.
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! 🏁🏁🏁
Always have been a fan of Al Jr.!
Always been a big fan of Jr, best of luck and success in your personal and family life. God bless
What a great man trying to make his life better. You are a hero to many, thanks for all the memories.
Great man? Hardly
Always a family friend and fan. In my darkest times, no one came to save or rescue me, I understand Al Jr.
What a great man!!! Your a blessing Al. Thank you, for still choosing to be here!
What I love about these podcasts is we get to see you guys as people just like us. Great talk with Al.
Yep. Just your average drunk
I always liked Al Unser Jr. as a race car driver, and now I have nothing but respect for him! Thanks for posting this great interview and keep up the great work...👍
God Bless you Al Unser Jr. Your message again makes you a positive role model for those needing guidance and direction.
good to see he is finally on the right path in his life. its never too late
Always enjoy Download, but gotta tell ya……there may never be a better one. The honesty from Al and the heartfelt curiosity from JR and Mike, you just don’t get in this world today. Bravo men!
I was one of those kids that was inspired by your thumbs up, Al. And your troubles since then have not changed my opinion of that moment. The 1992 Indy 500 is still one of my favorite racing memories. You were my favorite open wheel racer when I was a kid, the galles team from Albuquerque was awesome to me because I was also from New Mexico. I rooted for you every year in May. Never give up little Al... We are all still here rooting for you.
This show keeps getting better and better…. Great interview and thanks to Al for sharing!
Sure glad this was uploaded. Al Jr. was my favorite driver during his career and I was sad that he torpedoed so much of his life. Yet now he is forgiven and has a much better life. His struggles will continue but he now has a faith and Lord to help him through.
Met you in 91, Daytona FL....signed my hat. I always loved you and your family, much respect, my favorite Indy driver of all time....we all have demons little Al, it's all good, thanks for sharing....no need to apologize to me.
I realize that I am responding over a year since this was aired. I knew Al all the way back to Sprint Cars in Colorado, Galles Racing and Penske as well. I too struggled greatly with alcohol and substances for many many years. I have experienced many of those same emotional experiences, self doubt, isolation and much more including getting into trouble with the Law. When I was able to find clarity and opened my heart and mind to be willing to change and put God first in everything I do. My world has so amazingly changed for the better and my life continues to blossom. I am so grateful. I say all of this to not only share my transparency but to share my support and believe in Al. In my eyes now he is a champion in two ways, as an incredibly great driver and now as an incredibly blessed man who is rising once again in the eyes of our lord. I hope one day to reconnect with him and let him know I believe in him.
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
Hands down this talk with Al Jr. is the best ever !!!!!!!!!! Guilt drives addiction is true , these young men coming back from these endless wars this country is in goes to show what guilt they are feeling from what they did to other people . They become addicted or kill them self's or they are home less , .................Al Jr. could of became one of those ...Self guilt will destroy you and the people who love you !!
Respect for owning up sir! Takes a Big Man to do this on a National Platform
Little AL is one of the best tuners out there. Proud of him that he got the help he needed. I was sad for him when his career fell apart. He’s good now. He is a Winner !
It was an incredible interview. Dale Jr would tell me to stop, but he is one hell of an interviewer. It ain't just the table. He knows when to jump in and keep it moving, and when to stop and listen. It's no coincidence that so many amazing stories have been told at that table.
Al Unser you'll always be one of my heros. You are human and wretched like all of us. It takes balls to share your testimony. And you are saving thousands from potentially making the same mistakes.
Thank you.
Just listened to this episode. Such a amazing story.
You & Dale Jr., has made a big impact on my life for a long period. Both of you guys are still my heroes.
I gained so much more respect for a person that is willing to talk about his downfalls and work to get to a better place in life. Even more to put it in public and admit it to themselves. Much respect Mr. Unser. Please help the kids that need to hear this story to hear it. Dale Jr., You are a racing legend, but you have found your true calling in these podcasts. There are none better at what you are doing now. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for sharing Mr Unser, and reminding everyone that race car drivers are human.