Driver's son faces charge in suspected DUI

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) -- The son of second-generation IndyCar star Al Unser Jr. has been arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence and possession of methamphetamine.

Al R. Unser, 21, was arrested shortly after midnight Saturday at a checkpoint, according to a Bernalillo County sheriff's report. He had dilated pupils and showed other signs of impairment.

Unser, in keeping with family tradition, has been racing as part of the Skip Barber Dodge Pro Series. He started karting when he was about 10 and moved up to the Skip Barber race series when he was 17.

Deputies conducted a field sobriety test and arrested Unser on suspicion of driving while under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or drug.

According to the report, Unser admitted to the officers that he had been using marijuana.

Deputies found a clear blue container with a green leafy substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana.

"I wouldn't wish this on any parent, but sometimes young adults make bad decisions," his mother, Shelley Unser, said Monday night.

"My son is a very honest and good person. My daughter has a saying, telling us to remember, `It's all good.' It's hard to see the good in this, but I guess it's important that my son learn, at a relatively young age, the price of fame."

Unser's attorney, Timothy Padilla, said allegations that Unser was in possession of methamphetamine are false. He said there was only a small amount of marijuana in the container.

Unser was given a blood test. The results were pending.

Unser was released from the Metropolitan Detention Center after posting a $2,500 bond.