Very cool. Unser Jr. confirms he will race in 500 | IndyStar.com
Al Unser Jr. said Monday he is returning to drive in this year's Indianapolis 500 at least in part to pester Michael Andretti, his lifelong friend and rival. Andretti is returning to the 500 after a three-year absence. Unser last competed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2004. "Somebody's got to keep Michael honest," Unser said, confirming his ride with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. He will partner with Buddy Lazier on the Indianapolis-based team. Unser and Andretti, both second-generation Indy-car drivers, joined the sport within a year of each another in the early 1980s. In CART, they combined to win 81 races and three championships. Unser also won two 500s. Unser will be 44 and Andretti 43 when this year's race is held May 28. Unser said the lure of competing in his favorite race was too much to ignore. He sat out last year but found it difficult to watch on television at his home in Henderson, Nev. "It reminded me of the split (with CART and the Indy Racing League)," he said. "They weren't good feelings, let's put it that way." Unser said he decided to pursue a ride late last year, and he went with his son, Al, to Tampa, Fla., to train during the winter. "I also just miss the fraternity of (the paddock); I miss being around the racetrac