Turn the page, and you'll discover an inspirational story of triumph, tragedy, and the road to recovery. Buy Beast: The Top Secret Ilmor-Penske Engine That Shocked the Racing World at the Indy 500 2nd edition by Jade Gurss, Mario Illien (Foreword by) (ISBN. A Checkered Past is an unblinking look at how even our most celebrated sports heroes struggle with human frailty. Unser's battle to climb out of that cave is one of the great stories in motorsports. A dark dive into depression and isolation that led to a suicide attempt. Beast by Jade Gurss - Revised Edition larger image Shipping Weight: 2lbs Ask a Question 24.95 The Top Secret Illmor-Penske Engine That Shocked the Racing World at the Indy 500 This revised trade paperback edition of BEAST features new commentary on the technical development as well as analysis of the purchase of IMS by Roger Penske.

When he retired as a driver, the trouble amplified. Spurred on by his spiraling substance abuse problem, his marriage turned volatile. Behind the scenes, his appetite for drugs and alcohol were destroying his private life. His gifts as a driver and his easy affability were the public persona. The fans and the press adored him.Ī Checkered Past tells that story-but it doesn't stop there. In addition, Unser was not just a winning driver-he also possessed a boisterous and lovable personality.

By his teen years, the innate sense for the fast way made him unstoppably quick when he was racing through the woods on a snowmobile, on a dirt track, in a sprint car, or on a race course.Īs his career progressed from the kart track victories to following in the footsteps of his famed uncle, Bobby, and father, Al, the wins grew in stature from junior titles to the very top echelon of his sport. By the time he was nine years old, he could draw the quickest way through the corner on paper and intuitively apply his sketch while on the go-kart track. Born into a racing family, he had a gift for finding the fast line on the track.