Ceptorman Posted January 31, 2020 Share Posted January 31, 2020 RIP John, he died Thursday at the age of 56, from colon cancer. He was one of my favorite racers ever, and was the nicest Andretti. We grew up in the same town, same age, competing high schools. He was an exceptional racer, won races in different types of cars that nobody has ever accomplished, probably never will (IndyCar, Nascar, Rolex 24 at Daytona, Top Fuel dragster, sports car) He raised millions of dollars for local Riley Children's Hospital, with a charity go kart race. Dozens of top racers would show up....Tony Stewart, Ricky Rudd, 10-12 IndyCar racers, Dario Franchitti, Mark Dismore (owns the track) Vitor Meira (track lap record holder) Sarah Fisher, Josef Newgarden (won this race when he was 16) Scott Dixon and Dan Weldon (in their matching Target race suits) local celebrities. I raced in one of these events, even alongside John, but not for long, he passed me and was gone! He was just a good guy, always approachable, never rude, always smiling. A Riley spokesperson said today that John would just show up all the time, just to talk to the kids and their families. He didn't care if there weren't cameras around, that wasn't why he was there. 3 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceptorman Posted January 31, 2020 Author Share Posted January 31, 2020 John's career in pictures...https://racer.com/gallery/john-andrettis-career-in-pictures/?fbclid=IwAR1xFK5RFR6ZjsdwCc_yafDx-_vs5HrEhhM6HqUtDAPNkrqkXB-mqMnWTWs 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DizRotus Posted January 31, 2020 Share Posted January 31, 2020 3 hours ago, Ceptorman said: “. . . was the nicest Andretti.” My father would say, “ . . . damning with faint praise.” Too young to go. Let’s hope his message of early detection is heeded. Condolences to his family and friends. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davis Posted January 31, 2020 Share Posted January 31, 2020 I can officially say John is the nicest man I have ever met. My favorite time was hanging with him in the garage area of IMS when he drove for AJ Foyt. Everything said here about him is 100% true, he was a true gentlemen and will be missed by many. He fought the battle with cancer and still always had a smile and became a true advocate of colon cancer screening awareness. RIP John. 4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr clean Posted January 31, 2020 Share Posted January 31, 2020 Sorry to hear this. He always gave me the impression that he was a good guy on TV. You confirmed it. We are all three the same age Ceptorman. RIP John! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinmi Posted January 31, 2020 Share Posted January 31, 2020 So many people afraid to get screened, it's a shame. Early detection can make the difference between life and death. I was detected at an early age (54) with prostate cancer. Doctor said if I had waited another year, I would have been dead. I've had 2 colonoscopies already, and I am shocked by how many people refuse to get one. Put your fears aside and get checked. It's not a big deal, especially considering the alternative. Sorry for the rant. RIP, John. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunburnwilly Posted January 31, 2020 Share Posted January 31, 2020 Wow , he was one of my favorites . Chatted with him in the pits at Atlanta Drag Way when he was driving Jack Clark's top fuel dragster . He was the nicest and most engaging driver I have encountered . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K5SS Posted January 31, 2020 Share Posted January 31, 2020 This news is terrible! Hopefully his family and friends turn this horrible moment into a celebration of his life. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave1290 Posted January 31, 2020 Share Posted January 31, 2020 All of the above is so true of John. Great guy, ZERO ego unlike the rest of the family. Just couldn't ask for a nicer guy. He touched so many other's lives and never once looked back. Sad to see him gone so soon. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted February 1, 2020 Share Posted February 1, 2020 RIP Mr. Andretti. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunburnwilly Posted February 1, 2020 Share Posted February 1, 2020 https://jalopnik.com/john-andretti-the-driver-who-would-race-anything-dies-1841394070 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted February 1, 2020 Share Posted February 1, 2020 19 hours ago, Davis said: I can officially say John is the nicest man I have ever me RIP John. cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted February 1, 2020 Share Posted February 1, 2020 - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunburnwilly Posted April 21, 2020 Share Posted April 21, 2020 Was going through some old photos and found these from his Top Fuel Debut at the Southern Nats . The tall guy is the car owner baseball player Jack Clark . NHRA Winston Drag Racing In 1993, Andretti drove the Taco Bell Express Top Fuel Dragster for owner Jack Clark. He reached the semi-finals in his first national event at Atlanta during the FRAM Southern Nationals, clocking a career-best speed of 299 mph (481 km/h). In that race he beat 1992 T/F Champion Joe Amato in Round 1 and Mopar Express Lube driver Tommy Johnson Jr. in Round 2, but lost to Mike Dunn in Darrell Gwynn's La Victoria Salsa Car in the semi-finals. That race was won by Eddie Hill. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted April 21, 2020 Share Posted April 21, 2020 Wow... sadness. Godspeed JA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted April 21, 2020 Share Posted April 21, 2020 Rest In Peace! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigStewMan Posted April 21, 2020 Share Posted April 21, 2020 RIP Mr. Andretti. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.