Unser Jr enters rehab, charges dropped

Marion County (Indiana) Prosecutor Scott Newman announced on Thursday that his office will not file formal charges against the Indy Racing League star in the wake of an incident that occurred on July 9.

According to testimony, a drunken Unser left his girlfriend of four years Jena Soto standing alongside a busy Indianapolis road after the pair got into an argument while driving home from a topless dance club at 3 o'clock in the morning. Soto was picked up by police, who then arrested Unser at his motorhome parked at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

However, Newman said the evidence available was not enough to convict Unser of battery charges and that too much time had passed for authorities to charge Unser for driving while impaired. He added that Soto, who draws an annual salary of $120,000 for serving as Unser's personal assistant, had co-operated fully with authorities.

"I concluded from the facts that I had to work with that there isn't a jury in the world that would treat this as a criminal case," Newman stated. "However, Mr. Unser would appear to have a serious alcohol abuse problem and I would encourage him to seek professional medical help."

Unser subsequently announced that he will immediately check in to an undisclosed substance abuse clinic. He hopes to return to the IRL circuit in August. "I am deeply sorry and embarrassed about the incident that occurred last week and the poor judgement I've shown in the past with my life choices," Unser said in a statement.

"I've apologized, but I realise saying you're sorry doesn't matter when the damage is already done. I don't understand why I have a problem with alcohol abuse, but I have to straighten it out now."

IRL President Tony George, who is close friends with Unser, offered his reaction. "I was very disappointed to learn of the events last week," George stated. "Today's announcement by Al Unser Jr is the right thing for him to do and I fully support it."

Test driver Tony Renna will replace Unser in the Corteco-sponsored car until Unser is deemed fit to return.