The City of Albuquerque recently purchased the historic Unser auto-racing family’s property along Route 66, intending to preserve at least part of it for future generations.
KRQE-TV in Albuquerque reported that the purchase price was $2.2 million for the four-acre tract.
The Unser family had offered the property to the city after the death in 2021 of Bobby Unser, the three-time Indianapolis 500 winner.
According to a news release from the city:
Buildings on the property include two residences and the Unser family garage that can be renovated or redeveloped as part of the overall project.
“The Unser family’s impact on racing is legendary and their story deeply rooted in Albuquerque,” said District 3 City Councilor Klarissa Peña. “For generations the Unser legacy and racing history called our city home. Purchase of the Unser property provides a perfect opportunity for us to commemorate and honor the Unser spirit of innovation.”
“We’re creating more spaces where future generations can connect to our city’s unique history, vibrant culture, and families like the Unsers who shaped it,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This project is about honoring our roots and working hand in hand with the community to carry that legacy forward.”
Shelle Sanchez, director of the city’s Arts and Culture Department, told the station: “There’s a very important piece of history right there, which is the Unser’s family garage and kind of repair shop that sits right there on Route 66.”
A public input session is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. on June 5 at the nearby Central & Unser Library so residents can give ideas on what to do with the Unser property.
The Unser family also produced Al Unser, who won the Indy 500 four times. In all, the Unser family won that face nine times.
The Unsers’ father, Jerry, started a garage in 1935 along Route 66 in Albuquerque. They got into racing on the weekends.
Sports Illustrated wrote that Bobby and Al once flooded Route 66 in Albuquerque when a valve stuck open on a water truck they “borrowed” from the city. The boys had a habit of commandeering any sort of vehicle if the keys were left in the ignition.
(Excerpt from Google Street View of the Unser property in Albuquerque)