Legends in Racing, Part 6 - the Andrettis
Posted
Thursday, May 24, 2012 9:01 AM
by
Amy Unger
The Andretti family is not only legendary at the track, but a dynasty to boot. There has been an Andretti (Mario, Michael, Jeff, John, and/or Marco) competing in the 500 every year but 8 since 1965. That's 39 years of Andrettis in May. Exactly how long I remember listening to the race on the radio*.
What's even more amazing is with a cumulative total of 65 starts, only Mario has actually won the race, once, giving rise to the well-publicized "Andretti Curse." And, oh, how we've all dreaded the familiar words of track announcer Tom Carnegie, who sadly passed away last year -- "and Mario is slowing down." I for one would like to see Marco here win one... if only for grandpa.
*It is well-known here, but not necessarily elsewhere, that you can't watch the 500 on local TV in Indianapolis. I actually prefer it that way. There's just something about the radio.
Below: Marco Andretti talks things over with father/team owner Michael, while teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay (who will start in Row 1 this year) looks on. And a guy snaps photos behind him. Pfft, how obnoxious. What you can't see in the photo is Mario just out of the frame. Can't believe I missed him.
