1986 Bobby Unser Original Worn Simpson Race Helmet
Original Simpson helmet worn by 3 time Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser
Unser came from a family of racecar drivers. He won numerous racing championships throughout his career, including three Indianapolis 500 titles. When asked in 2008 about his potential to move from midget and sprint cars, Unser said, "I never considered Indianapolis because I didn’t think I was good enough. But Parnelli told me I was going and he got me a ride and I always be indebted to him."
Unser made his IndyCar debut in 1962 (excluding the Pikes Peak races which were part of the IndyCar season in the 1950s). He raced for Andy Granatelli between 1963 and 1965 with a Novi engine. Unser raced in his first Indianapolis 500 in 1963. He crashed early and placed 33rd. Unser's second Indianapolis 500 in 1964 ended on the second lap in the crash that killed two drivers. Unser moved to an IndyCar owned by Bob Willke from 1966 until 1970. His first IndyCar win came in 1967 at Mosport a year later, Unser won his first Indy 500, setting the record as the first driver to race over 170 miles per hour at Indianapolis. In 1968, Unser worked with crew chief Jud Phillips and won his first USAC National Driving Championship.
In 1972, Unser started working for Dan Gurney's team. He set another Indianapolis 500 record for the fastest qualifying time at 195.940 miles per hour (315.335 km/h). Teams were allowed to bolt on a wing for the first time and speeds rose significantly (the previous record speed was 178.696 miles per hour (287.583 km/h)). Unser won nine poles (in ten races) and won four of the races. In 1974, he won his second USAC National Driving Championship. In 13 races, Unser won four times, took second four times, and finished in the top five twelve times. In the 75 Indy 500, he won his second 500 in a race that was rain-shortened on lap 174 because of torrential rains. Unser won twice in 1976. He remained on Gurney's team until 1979.
From 1979 to 1981, Unser won six times to Penske teammate Mears' three wins but Mears won the championship and Indy 500. In 1980 he became the first driver to win the four times. Unser won four times in 1980 and finished second in the season championship to Rutherdford. His career ended in 1981 following a controversial win at Indianapolis.
Unser's original IndyCar worn helmets are non existent in the collecting market and this original helmet he used in snowmobile racing was recently acquired from his widow Lisa Unser.
Do not miss this ultra rare opportunity to acquire an original worn Bobby Unser Helmet for your collection today.
Item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Unser came from a family of racecar drivers. He won numerous racing championships throughout his career, including three Indianapolis 500 titles. When asked in 2008 about his potential to move from midget and sprint cars, Unser said, "I never considered Indianapolis because I didn’t think I was good enough. But Parnelli told me I was going and he got me a ride and I always be indebted to him."
Unser made his IndyCar debut in 1962 (excluding the Pikes Peak races which were part of the IndyCar season in the 1950s). He raced for Andy Granatelli between 1963 and 1965 with a Novi engine. Unser raced in his first Indianapolis 500 in 1963. He crashed early and placed 33rd. Unser's second Indianapolis 500 in 1964 ended on the second lap in the crash that killed two drivers. Unser moved to an IndyCar owned by Bob Willke from 1966 until 1970. His first IndyCar win came in 1967 at Mosport a year later, Unser won his first Indy 500, setting the record as the first driver to race over 170 miles per hour at Indianapolis. In 1968, Unser worked with crew chief Jud Phillips and won his first USAC National Driving Championship.
In 1972, Unser started working for Dan Gurney's team. He set another Indianapolis 500 record for the fastest qualifying time at 195.940 miles per hour (315.335 km/h). Teams were allowed to bolt on a wing for the first time and speeds rose significantly (the previous record speed was 178.696 miles per hour (287.583 km/h)). Unser won nine poles (in ten races) and won four of the races. In 1974, he won his second USAC National Driving Championship. In 13 races, Unser won four times, took second four times, and finished in the top five twelve times. In the 75 Indy 500, he won his second 500 in a race that was rain-shortened on lap 174 because of torrential rains. Unser won twice in 1976. He remained on Gurney's team until 1979.
From 1979 to 1981, Unser won six times to Penske teammate Mears' three wins but Mears won the championship and Indy 500. In 1980 he became the first driver to win the four times. Unser won four times in 1980 and finished second in the season championship to Rutherdford. His career ended in 1981 following a controversial win at Indianapolis.
Unser's original IndyCar worn helmets are non existent in the collecting market and this original helmet he used in snowmobile racing was recently acquired from his widow Lisa Unser.
Do not miss this ultra rare opportunity to acquire an original worn Bobby Unser Helmet for your collection today.
Item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.