“He was one of the most versatile racers ever, winning races in Ind圜ar and NASCAR and reaching the pinnacle of top fuel drag racing as well.” “We are devastated by the news that our dear friend, John Andretti, has passed away,” IMSA President John Doonan said. There he started 49 consecutive races over the next three seasons, where his warm personality turned him into a fan favorite. The soft-spoken, genteel and popular John Andretti took a different tack in adding his chapter to the family legacy.Īndretti competed in USAC sprint cars on dirt then won the 1989 Rolex 24 in a sports car before moving full-time to Ind圜ars in 1990. “To help bring one of his dreams come true is very satisfying He’s always had a dream to see his son drive for Indy and I am glad we are making it a reality this year.” “It’s very important for me, personally me and John are very, very close, we’ve been close our whole lives, growing up together,” Michael Andretti, Jarett’s godfather, said in announcing the deal. Jarett finished sixth in the race as he became the seventh member of the Andretti family to race at Indy. Jarett Andretti, John’s son, made his Indy debut just last May in Indy Lights. His nephew, Marco, Michael’s son, finished second at Indy as a rookie in 2006 and has since posted four more top-five finishes at Indy. John’s father, Aldo, grew up racing and his uncle, Mario, became an international celebrity after winning the 1969 Indianapolis 5 world championship.Īndretti’s cousin, Michael, competed in Formula One and led more laps in the Indy 500 than any other race non-winner before turning team owner and winning the marquee race five times.

The Pennsylvania native embraced the family business.

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