Andretti

by Mario Andretti

In Andretti, a unique photographic autobiography, Mario shows us the rarely seen side of race car driving. In his own words, Andretti describes the inherent dangers of his profession and how, as a father, he deals with those dark realities every time one of his two sons steps into a race car. Together with more than 160 photographs, including nearly 70 previously unpublished photos by world-renowned photographer Walter Iooss Jr. Andretti, in his own words, describes his life from the early days in Italy during World War II to his present days as a racing legend. Mario writes about himself, his life, and the intense desire that has defined his racing career. He talks about the seven years his family spent in a displaced persons camp after the war and how his decision to come to the United States was an element of fate that had long been predestined. He talks candidly about his devoted family and his wife, Dee Ann, who has stood solid throughout his racing career. He reveals his deepest thoughts on fear and how he forced himself to look beyond the deaths of some of his closest friends. He talks about his twin brother, Aldo, and how they shared everything from dreams to racing helmets until circumstance forced Mario to go on alone. Mario discusses his philosophy of life and work and the intense passion he brings to virtually every moment of his existence. And he explains why he chose the 1994 season to be his last and the reservations that come from going forward without racing.

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

People note victories of Italian-born American racecar driver Mario Andretti in the Daytona 500 of 1967 and Indianapolis 500 of 1969.

Mario Gabriele Andretti of the most successful in the history retired of the automobile sport. Only he and Dan Gurney won in all major motor categories: Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship, and National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. He also won in midget, sprint, and drag.

During career, Andretti won four IndyCar titles, the world championship of Formula One in 1978, and international race of champions VI. Only he and Juan Pablo Montoya won in the Sprint Cup series of National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Formula One, and more. Since the Dutch Grand Prix of 1978, no compatriot won a Formula One. Andretti had 109 career wins on major circuits.

Andretti had a long career. He was the only person to be named United States driver of the year in three decades (1967, 1978, and 1984). He was also one of only three to win on road courses, paved ovals, and dirt tracks in one season, a feat that he accomplished four times. With his final IndyCar win in April 1993, Andretti became the first to win IndyCar in four different decades and the first to win automobile of any kind in five.

In American popular culture, his name has become synonymous with speed, similar to Barney Oldfield in the early twentieth century and Stirling Moss in the United Kingdom.

Reviews

[Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

it makes you feel like you are in that car