When you think of the iconic racing family, the Unsers, you think of cars. But did you know they have a deep connection to a tradition of chili at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway? Recipe below.
The first Unser to race at Indy was Jerry. Jerry survived a crash that killed Pat O’Connor in the 1958 Indianapolis 500. But Jerry was later killed in practice for the 1959 race. His sons and grandson went on to be the winners of nine Borg-Warner Trophies. Which is the trophy presented to the winner of the Indianapolis 500. Four for Al Unser Sr., three for Bobby, and two more for Al Unser Jr.
Back in the 1960s, Indy star Bobby Unser asked crews at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway if they would like some of his mom’s chili. You see Mary Unser (mom and widow of racer Jerry Unser) wanted to thank the crews that kept her sons, Bobby and Al, safe by making them a 10-gallon pot of her chili.
It was a huge hit and started a tradition at the track. Since that day and until Mary died in 1975, she cooked 50 to 75 gallons of chili for each race. Crew members, drivers, and team owners would line up for a cup of chili served with fresh tortillas on what became known as Chili Day at the track. It was so popular that there were never any leftovers. Bobby Unser is quoted as saying, “She always said without the safety crews, there wouldn’t be a race…they kept her boys safe.” Race legends like Lloyd Ruby, Roger McCluskey, Roger Penske, and Parnelli Jones would be the first in line.