1989 Indianapolis 500 (Al Unser Jr. vs. Emerson Fittipaldi)

Lore & Background

The race saw both drivers dominate the final stages, trading the lead multiple times in the closing laps. Unser Jr., driving for Galles Racing, had the faster car on the straights, while Fittipaldi, in a Penske, was stronger through the turns. The tension built as they approached the final lap, with Unser Jr. leading by a narrow margin. But Fittipaldi, a master of psychological warfare, had been saving a final surge—and a risky inside line—for Turn 3.

In Their Own Story

The roar of the crowd faded into a single, high-pitched whine as Al Unser Jr. swept through Turn 4, the checkered flag just a mile away. His hands were steady on the wheel, the Lola's Cosworth engine singing its final song. Behind him, Emerson Fittipaldi's Penske was a silver blur, closing the gap with each heartbeat. Unser Jr. knew the Brazilian would try something—he always did. As they crossed the start-finish line for the last time, Fittipaldi dove low, his car sliding sideways, sparks flying from the underframe. Unser Jr. held his line, but the Penske was there, inch by inch, until they were side by side, the wall rushing closer. Then, a touch—a gentle nudge—and Unser Jr.'s car wiggled, losing momentum. Fittipaldi shot ahead, the checkered flag his, and the crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and boos. In the aftermath, Unser Jr. would call it 'a dirty move,' while Fittipaldi shrugged, saying, 'Racing is racing.' The debate still simmers.

Reader's Guide

The race is most famous for the dramatic last-lap battle between Al Unser Jr. and Emerson Fittipaldi. Unser Jr. had led for much of the final 30 laps, but Fittipaldi, driving for Penske Racing, kept the pressure on. On the final lap, entering Turn 3, Fittipaldi made a bold move to the inside, making contact with Unser Jr.'s car. The contact caused Unser Jr. to spin, while Fittipaldi continued to victory. Unser Jr. recovered to finish second, but the incident sparked debate about racing ethics that continues to this day. The race is remembered as a classic example of the high-stakes, high-speed drama that defines the Indianapolis 500, and it cemented Fittipaldi's place in IndyCar history as a master of the oval—though some would say a master of the controversial pass.

Did You Know?

• Al Unser Jr. would go on to win the Indianapolis 500 in 1992 and 1994, avenging his 1989 loss.
• The contact between Unser Jr. and Fittipaldi on the last lap was not formally ruled a racing incident by officials after the race.