Video: Al Unser Jr. in the Johnny Lightning Special
You may well be accustomed to hillclimb runs by now, but this one is particularly special. This is the Johnny Lightning Special Indy 500 winner.
The striking purple single-seater was driven to victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway by Al Unser Sr. in the 1970 IndyCar season. Taking the win in 10 of the 18 races he started – including his first Indy 500 victory – Unser Sr. collected a huge 5,130 points, of which the Johnny Lightning Special contributed 2,930.
Arguably, it’s one of the most legendary USAC Championship cars there is, and we were honoured to host it on the Hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, in the capable hands of none other than Unsur’s son, namesake and fellow Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr.
Watch as it takes a purring run up the Sussex tarmac, barely leaving first gear on the 1.16-mile strip. And remember, while there has been no Festival of Speed in 2020 there will be the one-off, and quite spectacular, SpeedWeek in October. If you’re keen to find out more, read our handy guide.
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