Even if you're not a huge fan of automobile racing in the U.S., you've probably heard the name Unser. Did you know that the famous racing dynasty started right here in Colorado Springs? The patriarch and matriarch of the family, Louis and Marie, emigrated here from Switzerland around the turn of the century. Their many progeny carry on the family racing tradition to this day, including racing up Pikes Peak in the PPIHC every July, from the very beginning of its history in 1916 (and they've certainly won it many times!). The family is now based in Albuquerque, I believe.
The original family home is on the 2700 block of West Colorado Avenue, in Old Colorado City. Basically it's the same address as the army surplus store that's been at that location for years. There is a small plaque on the building explaining its claim to fame. Apparently the plaque has been there since 1998, but I only noticed it a couple of years ago! I photographed it at that time but accidentally deleted the pictures, so yesterday Pat and I drove to the west side so I could retake them for you.
I notice that "descendants" is rather egregiously misspelled. Someone really ought to fix that.
2 comments:
That's cool!
I didn't know the family's racing history went that far back.
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