The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

IRL: Galles Racing Signs Al Unser Jr. to Multi-Year Contract

29 November 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Albuquerque, NM- Indy Racing League Car Owner, Rick Galles, announced today that Galles ECR Racing has signed Al Unser Jr., to a five year contract to run in the Indy Racing League beginning in the year 2000.

Al Unser Jr. raced for Rick Galles from 1981-1984 and then again from 1988-1993. Together, Rick Galles and Al Unser Jr., won the 1990 PPG Indy Car Championship and clinched 16 Indy Car wins, including the 1992 Indianapolis 500.

"We are excited to have Al back with us," said Rick Galles. "He is a great driver with tremendous leadership and that is what our team is all about. We have both made a huge commitment to this program, and I think it is a great opportunity for the team, Al and the Indy Racing League.

"The Indy Racing League has come a long way in four years. The engine and Chassis specs make this series the most affordable program in racing and the competition speaks for itself."

Al Unser Jr. is equally excited about re-joining the team that he began his career with.

"I am extremely excited to be back with Rick Galles. Rick gave me my 1st ride at the Indianapolis 500 in 1983. We won our 1st Championship together in 1990 and in 1992 we won our 1st Indy 500. Rick operates a 1st class organization and I think we will do well in the new IRL series.

I am excited to run once again in the Indianapolis 500. I feel that I have some unfinished business there, and it is an event that has played a large role in my life and my family history," said Unser.

In regards to their package for 2000, Galles announced that they would be running a G-Force/Aurora combination and that Franz Weiss and Speedway Motors will be the engine builders for Galles ECR Racing.

"Our motors will be sent to Midland, Texas, but Speedway Motors is going to work closely with Franz on our motor program. Speedway Motors has been good to us over the years, and it is important to me that we continue to build on that," said Galles.

Co-Owners Roger Elliot and Tommy Constantine are excited to go forward with their plans for 2000. "Our goal is to continue to raise sponsorship to run Davey Hamilton out of a sister team to Galles ECR Racing out of Scottsdale," said Elliot.

In regards to testing, Galles ECR Racing will conduct a private test in December in Phoenix and will go to the IRL open test in January at the Walt Disney World Speedway.

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.