Thoughts on Little Al?

[UnserJrFan]

Let me first off state that I don't want this to turn into a bashing parade on Al. The reason I am making this post is because I think it is a shame that Al may not be given his "farewell tour". I know there is the possibility that he will, but with Panther most likely hiring Scheckter and Kelley wanting Renna in a seat...his time unfortunately may be done. So, I want to know from all of you trackforum members if you think Al is deserving of a farewell tour and for which team that tour should take place! Thanks for participating in advance!

[numrounofan]

very few sports figures get to leave on their own terms. even with two 500 wins, Lil' Al is no different. racing's a young mans game, but I do wish him the best....

[CrewChief]

I'd rather see him pull into Victory lane at Texas and say, that's it, I'm done. Personally I think the Goodbye tours ala Mario, Richard Petty, etc are overdone and cheesey. JMHO.

[IndyJim]

I think the man is sixth in points with a car that for the least half of the season has not been on. If Scott were winning races I might feel differerent.

I say if Al wants to keep running, I hope he finds a good car!

[MichaelP]

Al's gonna be 42 next year. Both his dad and uncle won the 500 at age 47.. and Al had some excellent runs into his 50's.

[JoeBob]

It looks like Al's farewell tour may be on the tracks where he had most of his wins. He was always King of the Streets.

I'm sure he'd get a hero's welcome at Long Beach and Vancouver. He had some good runs on those streets over the years.

[CrewChief]

Originally posted by JoeBob
It looks like Al's farewell tour may be on the tracks where he had most of his wins. He was always King of the Streets.

I'm sure he'd get a hero's welcome at Long Beach and Vancouver. He had some good runs on those streets over the years.

Want to take that to Toldjaso JoeBob ? Al left the Indy 500 once, he isn't going to do it again.

[Outlaw]

Originally posted by JoeBob
It looks like Al's farewell tour may be on the tracks where he had most of his wins. He was always King of the Streets.

I'm sure he'd get a hero's welcome at Long Beach and Vancouver. He had some good runs on those streets over the years.

Ya, but that would like Barry Bonds going down to AAA ball for his farewell tour.

Outlaw

[Jimbo77]

Isn't Al jr's contract with Kelley through Corteco good until 2005? I think he'll finish off his contract with Kelley and then consider retirement from competing full time and do indy 500 one off's with a team for years to come.

[manson]

I don't see Al Unser, Jr. as the kind of guy who would stay around after his ability to be competitive is behind him. That day has not come yet, imo. He is a legend in his own time and should have a ride for as long as he wants it.

Worse case scenario - Indy only next year.

[jimbo]

It seems like his motivation for wanting to go back to CART is to be near his children which if you ask me is a pretty good reason.
Al has proven himself he doesn't owe anybody any explinations.
I just hope he finds what he's looking for when if he goes back.

[PShoe001]

I wish Al Jr well wherever his path takes him. Few people are more gracious in victory.

[Mackie]

Originally posted by JoeBob
It looks like Al's farewell tour may be on the tracks where he had most of his wins. He was always King of the Streets.

I'm sure he'd get a hero's welcome at Long Beach and Vancouver. He had some good runs on those streets over the years.

Wishful thinking JoeBob, another jab and a premature gloat, IMO, CART may clone itself, and at it's worst possible venues, and Al Jr. might drive in yet another season, but I think it is just a little under 50/50 that he will do both at the same time and run the CART replacement. If he does, it won't be the first time he sold his name to a series that was in dire need of name recognition, he helped the IRL, and he has won, I doubt he will do either with and for the new CART. Presenting your worst racing, week after week, to a TV audience that has seen enough, will doom them to failure, just as it has done to CART.

[$noopy]

Sure, he deserves a farewell tour, but not for a few years. He's still too competitive to quit just yet. By the way, when did Al say he wanted to go back to CART? I must have missed it. And I don't beleve it!

[Dizz Fan]

If the IRL marketing dept. has a pulse...(and there are times that I'm not quite sure they do)...they would get Al Jr. in the Penzoil car. Kelley has to know that he has much more talent and ability to win than Sharp.

Dizz Fan