WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Back to the Brickyard: 1987

Episode Date: January 8, 2025

The story of Al Unser’s historic 4th win.

Welcome to Back to the Brickyard, your spot for Indianapolis 500 History here at Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. I'm Christian Papillon. In 1987, there was great excitement surrounding Mario Andretti as he led the practice speed charts in 11 of the 13 days he participated. The excitement increased when Andretti took the pole at a speed of 215.39 miles per hour. Andretti took the lead at the start and led 59 of the first 60 last. before pulling into the pits. He regained the lead on lap 65 and led all but one of the laps until lap 96. Once again, Andretti took the lead on lap 98 and led until lap 177.

At this point, a seemingly uneventful race took a turn. By lap 175, Andretti was over a lap ahead of second place Roberto Guerrero and over two laps ahead of third place Al Unser. Andretti experienced electrical failure, forcing him to pit. forcing him to pit. He returned to the race but stalled several times, dropping out after lap 192. After Andretti pitted, Guerrero then led briefly. He also experienced car trouble, stalling on what would have been his final pit stop. Unser, in a shocking turn of events, took the lead on lap 183 and led to the checker for a record tying fourth Indy 500 win.

Unser at 47 years old was the oldest winner of the Indy 500, a record that still stands to this day. You have been listening to Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. I'm Christian Papuaul, and I'll catch you the next time we go back to the brickyard.