Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti
Mario Gabriele Andrettiis an Italian American former racing driver, one of the most successful Americans in the history of the sport. He is one of only two drivers to win races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR. He also won races in midget cars, and sprint cars. During his career, Andretti won the 1978 Formula One World Championship, four IndyCar titles, and IROC VI. To date, he remains the only driver ever to win the Indianapolis 500,...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionRace Car Driver
Date of Birth28 February 1940
CityMotovun, Croatia
CountryUnited States of America
In the U.S., we really have fallen short of road-racing facilities that have kept up with the times, unfortunately, but it's a fact.
He's very much at ease with where he's at and who he is. The jury is still out (with his driving); the ultimate proof is in the races. But as a rookie going in, is he well-prepared? I think so.
If everything's under control, you're going too slow.
I love all motor sports at the top level.
Long Beach is the best. I tell everyone that.
A father-son relationship is strong, like no other teammates. You could be straightforward with one another.
I've always said, 'I didn't have a Plan B in life.' I was in pursuit of my dream from the very beginning. It's all about desire and passion. At all costs.
I don't remember as a kid wanting to do or be anything else but drive something, be a race driver.
I wish we could be 100% shielded from danger, but nothing is in life.
If the Indy Racing League didn't have the Indianapolis 500, do you think it would have lasted more than six months? No chance.
Age doesn't affect driving - how do you like that?
My wife loves football, but I think she's resigned to the fact that I'll never make it there.
In NASCAR, you can do a lot of banging around and get pretty serious and even get yourself upside down. All of those things can happen - and then you give an interview two seconds later.
The banked oval tracks are obsolete tracks for Indy cars.