3 most successful IndyCar racing families

Many influential and top IndyCar drivers end up creating their teams and having their families race in the series. When the sons grew older, the grandchildren get introduced to the sport.

There are a few very successful families in IndyCar, with generations of drivers spanning across decades. Let's see how the three most successful racing families rank:

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#3 Rahal Family

AUTO: MAY 13 INDYCAR Series GMR Grand Prix - Source: Getty

Rahal Letterman Lanigan racing’s co-owner Bobby Rahal made his IndyCar debut in 1982. He won three IndyCar Championship during his tenure, securing 24 wins and 88 podiums. Bobby retired from IndyCar in 1998, and his legacy was continued by his son Graham Rahal.

Graham joined the American open-wheel racing series in 2007 and is still active. He drives for RLL racing. The 35-year-old has six IndyCar wins and 29 podiums.

#2 Unser Family

42nd Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach - Source: Getty

Bobby Unser made his USAC debut in 1955 as a substitute before returning to the series as a full-time driver in 1962.

Unser shared the grid with IndyCar legends A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti and won titles in 1968 and 1974. The American has 35 wins, 83 podiums and 52 pole positions. Unser raced till the early 80s before retiring from IndyCar.

Bobby’s younger brother, Alfred Unser, shared the stage with his sibling and joined IndyCar in the early 60s. Alfred’s career lasted almost a decade longer than Bobby's, retiring from the sport in 1994. Al Unser won the championship three times and had 39 wins, 98 podiums and 28 pole positions.

Alfred Unser’s son continued the legacy of the family in IndyCar. Al Unser Jr. started his IndyCar career in 1982, with the last race being 2007 Indy 500. Unser Jr. won the championship twice, bagging 34 wins and 88 podiums.

#1 Andretti Family

Firestone 550 - Practice - Source: Getty

The Andretti family’s motorsport heritage began with Mario Andretti. The 84-year-old competed in both IndyCar and F1 and was successful in both series. Mario won the IndyCar championship four times and the F1 title in 1978. Mario Andretti's IndyCar career spanned over three decades, registering 52 wins, 141 podiums and 65 poles.

Michael Andretti led the family to further success in the sport. Michael joined the series in 1983 and raced alongside his father for a decade. He continued to race until the late 2000s, with the 2007 Indy 500 being his last race. The 62-year-old's career record comprises 42 wins, 98 podiums and 32 pole positions.

Mario Andretti’s other son, Jeff, and nephew, John, also made a few appearances in the IndyCar series. However, they didn't win any race or get on the podium. Michael's son, Marco, is the newest generation of IndyCar drivers from the Andretti family.

Marco began his IndyCar career in 2006 and raced full-time for his father's team (Andretti Autosport) until the end of the 2020 season. For the last four years, Marco Andretti only raced in the Indy 500. The 37-year-old won two races and 20 podiums during his IndyCar tenure.