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Wednesday, February 20 Updated: February 22, 1:15 PM ET Users: Unser Jr. deserves the best ESPN.com We asked if Al Unser Jr. can find a full-time ride for 2002 and if so can he have an impact on the 2002 championship race. Here are some of the better responses:
Little Al's diverse talent was shown at the Daytona IROC race and is just another reason why he will somehow find a ride. Even though he is grizzled he can still run with the best. Jesse Kentoski Penfield, Pa.
Somebody better grab him, or they'll be missing the opportunity of a lifetime. I have been an Unser fan all of my life, I may be a little partial. And that may be due to the fact that Little Al's Uncle Bobby picked-up a lost four-year-old boy at a track in Illinois back in the '60s and found a fan for life (my parents did show up moments later). Watching Al Jr. win at Gateway last year was one of the biggest thrills of my life, and I believe this year is Al's year to really stir things up and maybe even win it all! Rich Homan Richland, Mo.
Unser Jr is one of the most, if not the most, experienced driver in the IRL, with a proven track record. I have followed Little Al for over 20 years and to me he still has what it takes to run full time in the IRL. He is a very savvy and smart driver who gets the most out of the equipment that is given to him. In no way is he through driving. A driver like Al Jr., is a gold mine for any team out there who will take him. He has many years of driving left in him and he will find a ride and bring that team the IRL championship. Mark Koson Albuquerque, N.M.
As much as I hate to say it, I think it is time for Little Al to hang it up. He hasn't been compeitive since '95, but that is not entirely all his fault. Team Penske should have done something sooner about the car, but in all fairness to Little Al, he is one of the most decorated drivers or our time, and noboby will forget the '92 Indy 500. Jeff Lesko Chicago
I can't imagine Al not being at Homestead next week. What a shame. I attended the IROC race at Daytona and Al was as masterful as ever. He's a long way from being done. Bob Cole Longwood, Fla.
It is a sad day when the "King of Long Beach" can't get a ride in the second-fiddle IRL open-wheel series. Now that Little Al has trained himself back into shape, maybe CART should offer him a seat. I believe he is as motivated as ever. Good luck, Al! Michael McGill San Diego, Calif.
A more focused Little Al, partnered up with Kelley Racing, will bring back memories of Al Sr.'s twilight years when he won a championship and another Indy 500. Unser Jr. will do this year what Ray should have and last year -- win at Indy and the championship. Randy Johnson Sacramento, Calif.
I wish Little Al would take a full time Winston Cup ride with a respectable team. I think in a short amount of time he could fit right in with most of the big boys (Tony Stewart, Little E, Rusty Wallace). He should have done this several years ago, in my opinion. He's proved he can hang with them in the IROC series. He's like Stewart, he can drive anything with wheels on it! Rick Morse Albuquerque, N.M.
I have been Little Al's No. 1 fan since he first ran at Indy. I hope he gets a full time ride with Chip Ganassi, if not I think he will get one with Team Kelley. I do not think Tony George will let him go without a full-time ride. Barbara Osborne Indianapolis
Lil Al is one of the best active drivers. If given the right equipment and team he would flourish with victories. He has gone through tough personal times with the illness of his daughter and his divorce. Give him a break. He is one of the best! Gene Garritano Durango, Colo.
Little Al probably has no idea just how popular he is and being buried in the IRL isn't helping his career. I think he should seriously pursue a Winston Cup ride and put the Unser name back where it belongs at the top of American racing. Fred Price Dallas
Budweiser was dumb not to back him, thereby sponsoring both the most popular U.S. Indy car driver and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Kurt Van Der Dussen Bloomington, Ind.
You would have to be insane not to want Al driving for your team. He is the most talented driver out there. His performance in the IROC series (where skill is matched not equipment) has proven that fact. Despite the difficulties he has faced in his personal life, he has still managed to win, which is a lot more than I can say for a lot of IRL drivers. With a competitive team, he will win the championship. Jon Barber Albany, N.Y.
I thought Unser's career was over after his poor 1998 and '99 seasons with Penske and then the consistently poor showing with Galles in 2000 and '01. But his drive at Michigan in IROC 2001 convinced me he still has talent. His renewed effort to get in shape, his great IROC run at Daytona and his 'I am not quiting, I can still do this' attitude convince me he can have an impact in 2002. Jim Kozloski Pittston, Pa.
Al has always been too nice and too loyal to his car owners. First, with a couple years of driving Penske's junk cars with junk engines and junk Goodyears. Then with Galles' lack of backing to provide the quality equipment. Give him a ride with Ganassi's or Kelley's caliber of equipment and then watch him go. Larry Hoppes Anderson, Ind.
Find a ride -- we'll follow what ever series you are in. Kee Baca Palmetto, Ga.
Al Unser Jr. will be the third four-time winner of the Indy 500! Forget these young shooting stars -- Al is a chip off of the old block. He has the ability to go fast and pace his equipment. Matt Cullum Denton, Texas
I hope Little Al finds a full-time ride. People say he is nearing the end of his career because of his age and he is out of shape physically. Out of shape perhaps, but not old. Tell that to his dad Big Al, Mario Andretti or A.J Foyt who were all winning races well into their 40s. He is in shape now and I feel there are many years ahead for him. Hopefully Kelley Racing, with their good equipment, will bring him on board. If they do I believe he will have an impact on the 2002 championship. Dick Tornquist Los Angeles  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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