Race Rock - Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti is often referred to as the greatest race car driver of all time.

The winner of 1969 Indianapolis 500, as well as four IndyCar season championships, Mario has made the Andretti name synonymous with racing. In addition to his IndyCar success, he also won stock car's fabled Daytona 500 in 1967 as well as the 1978 Formula One world championship.

No driver has had as prolific a career in racing as Mario. Mario's love of cars and the sport of racing began at an early age in his native Italy. Influenced by the legendary race car driver, Alberto Ascari, Andretti launched his own career in the sport at age nineteen. After his family emigrated to the United States, Andretti soon discovered the thrill of dirt track racing.

After a series of victories in modified stock car racing, Andretti won his first IndyCar race in 1965 and finished third in the Indianapolis 500 that year- enough to earn him Rookie-of-the-Year honors. He concluded the season by becoming the youngest driver ever to win the IndyCar season championship.

Andretti went on to win Driver of the Year honors three times in his career, the most ever for any racer. Inspired by his success, Mario's sons, Michael and Jeff, entered the sport. In 1989, Mario and Michael became the first father-son team in IndyCar history. Two years later, an elated Mario watched his son win the IndyCar season championship.

Mario's final season of racing in 1994 featured a farewell campaign entitled "Arrivederci, Mario" that included special tributes, salutes, and honors at ever race venue. As he sped around the track for the last time on October 9, 1994 at Laguna Seca Raceway, the legend of Mario Andretti assumed its place in the record books and in the hearts of his many fans.

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