Mario Andretti

Mario Gabriele Andretti (born February 28, 1940) is an American racing driver, arguably the most successful US citizen in auto racing. During his career, he has won four Champcar titles, and the 1978 Formula One World Championship. Andretti is the only person ever to win the Indy 500, the Daytona 500, and the Formula One World Championship.

Legacy

Many people, particularly Americans, still consider him to be the finest all-around driver ever, and in 2000, the Associated Press and RACER magazine named him "Driver of the Century." The same year, he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Andretti's legacy is widespread enough that he has become a symbol of racing and speed itself. (EX: "Who do you think you are? Mario Andretti?" to someone running quickly)

Related Topics:
Symbol - Racing - Speed

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Both of Mario Andretti's sons, Michael and Jeff, are also involved in auto racing, and Michael has won the Champcar title as well. As of 2003, he was Champcars' winningest driver. Mario's nephew, John, has had success in both Champcars and NASCAR, winning races in both series, and his grandson, Marco, has won a championship in Champcars' "Stars of Tomorrow" kart racing series.

Related Topics:
Michael - Jeff - John - NASCAR - Kart racing

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~