In his only start, in 1958, he was caught up in a 13-car pileup on the first lap and flew over the turn three wall, emerging unhurt.
On May 2, 1959, on the second day of qualifying for the 1959 Indianapolis 500, Unser lost control of his car coming out of turn 4 on a practice lap.
Unser was taken to Methodist Hospital with a broken neck and 3rd degree burns over both legs and one arm.
Drivers competing at Indy during those years were credited with World Championship points and participation.
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