Unser Jr hails Honda engine
Indianapolis 500 returnee Al Unser Jr believes the new generation of Honda engine is the best powerplant he's ever had in an IRL car
Double Indy 500 champion Unser is returning with a one-off drive in this year's race with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, after nearly two years away from the IRL.
Because of his absence, Unser was eligible to complete a refresher run in yesterday's rookie orientation practice at Indianapolis.
He completed nine laps with a top lap speed recorded of 206.387mph, and was impressed with the Honda unit. Unser was never powered by Honda engines in his five years in the IRL.
"We did not run enough to get a good feel," Unser said, "But the only thing I can say is that there is definitely a difference in the power of the engine that I've had in the past. Hands down, the Honda engine I ran today is the strongest IRL engine I've ever run around here.
"It was great to get back in the car and run down the straights of Indianapolis. It felt really good. The guys have really worked super hard to get this car out on the track today. Three days ago this car was in a million pieces.
"We're going to do everything we can to get the car working and go from there. We're ready. We got out here with 45 minutes to go. Now's not the time to go out and try to run any lap times, go wide open on our first day, or try any trick stuff."
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