By Alberto Macchione
Pennsylvania native and, Motor Racing stalwart, John Andretti took his final chequered flag on January 30, 2020, leaving behind a devastated Andretti family, a large circle of friends, and adoring fans the world over.
John Andretti is from America’s Motor Racing Royal Family, being the Nephew of Mario Andretti and first cousin to Michael Andretti. John was always destined to have a significant legacy, on and off the track until a long battle with colon cancer tragically cut his life short.
In the 1991 Indycar race at the Milwaukee Miracle Mile, Michael Andretti, John Andretti, and Mario Andretti became the only family in motorsports history to finish first, second, and third respectively in a major auto race.
Three years later, John became the only driver ever to have attempted ‘Double Duty’ by racing the greatest race in the world, the Indy 500 at the Brickyard where he finished 10th and then backed up by racing the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the very same (Memorial) Day where his day ended ‘early’ on lap 220 of 400 when his Chevrolet let go of its crankshaft
Andretti versatility helped John make history again for driving the world’s fastest and most powerful motor racing category, Top Fuel Drag Racing in a sanctioned NHRA National Event, and to race in the world’s fastest closed circuit motor race, the Indianapolis 500, a feat only ever equaled by two other drivers.
In addition to Stock Car Driving, INDYCAR piloting and Drag Racing, Andretti was also known as a GT Sportscar driver and World series Truck Driver.
Andretti leaves behind wife, Nancy, but also his racing driver son, Jarett Andretti who competed in Indy Lights in 2019.
John Andretti was 56 years of age.