It was also in the best interests of sportsmanship to all competitors not to give favor to his son. Unser Sr. also knew his days were numbered as a competitive driver on the circuit, while he knew Unser Jr. had many years ahead to have another chance at the title (Al Unser Jr. would indeed win the championship twice - 1990 and 1994).
It was in the spirit of sportsmanship for all competitors not to give an advantage to his son. Unser Sr. also understood that his days as a competitive driver were numbered, while he knew that Unser Jr. had many years left to compete for the championship (Al Unser Jr. would indeed win the title twice - 1990 and 1994).