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IRL: Robby Unser pulls a fast on on law-abiding drivers in Colorado

21 August 1999

FOUNTAIN, Colo -- Pep Boys Indy Racing League driver Robby Unser conducted "The PPIR Pull Over Program" on Aug. 18 with the help of the Colorado State Highway Patrol.

Unser and Colorado State Highway Trooper Richard A. Breece spent part of the day "pulling over" motorists traveling on Highway 24 in Manitou Springs, Colo., just west of Colorado Springs. The motorists thought they may have done something wrong, but once the trooper calmed the drivers down, Unser explained that they were pulled over not for speeding but for actually obeying the posted speed limit.

As a reward, Unser presented the motorists with two tickets to the upcoming Colorado Indy 200 presented by Deloitte & Touche on Aug. 29 at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Unser will drive the PetroMoly-Team Pelfrey Dallara/Aurora/Firestone in the 200-mile race.

"That's the first time I ever got a chance to play cop for a day," Unser said. "It was great to see the people go from being totally freaked out to totally elated (about getting tickets to the race)."

The Unser family has strong ties to the Colorado Springs community due to their involvement over the years with the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Robby Unser, 1998 Pep Boys Indy Racing League Sprint PCS Rookie of the Year, appreciated the chance to meet the fans and give something back for all of their support during his run of eight Hill Climb titles.

"Some people knew who I was and couldn't believe they met me in this type of situation," said Unser. "Now they say they can't wait to see the race coming up at PPIR."

After a day of playing cop, what did this racing Unser have to say about a potential new career in law enforcement?

"That's enough. I'm going fishing."

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