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John Andretti
John Andretti
John Andretti
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John Andrew Andretti (March 12, 1963 – January 30, 2020) was an American professional race car driver. He won individual races in CART, IMSA GTP, Rolex Sports Car Series, and NASCAR during his career. A member of the Andretti racing family, he was the son of Aldo Andretti, older brother of racer Adam Andretti, nephew of Mario Andretti, and the cousin to CART drivers Michael and Jeff Andretti. He was also the first cousin once-removed of Marco Andretti.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Andretti was born on March 12, 1963, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to "Corky" and Aldo Andretti. As a member of the Andretti racing family, he was encouraged and supported by his family during his racing career. Starting with kart racing at a young age, he later graduated to junior stock car racing and USAC-sponsored midget car racing.[1]

Andretti attended Moravian College in Bethlehem, where he graduated in 1985 with a degree in business management.[2] He later reflected that he likely would have been an investment banker or stock broker if he had not started racing.[3]

Career

[edit]

20th century

[edit]
Andretti's 1997 race car at Pocono Raceway
Andretti in the Petty Enterprise No. 43 Pontiac at Pocono Raceway in June 1998

In 1986, Andretti joined the BMW North America team for the 1986 IMSA GTP season. Paired with Davy Jones, he won that year's Watkins Glen International race.[1][4]

The following year, in 1987, Andretti joined CART's PPG Indy Car World Series. In his debut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 1988 Indianapolis 500, he reached as high as seventh place in the race before falling to 21st place following mechanical problems.

In 1989, Andretti drove the Miller High Life/BF Goodrich Porsche 962 to victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona, then called the Sunbank 24 at Daytona, along with co-drivers Bob Wollek and Derek Bell.[5] Later in the 1989 IMSA season, Andretti and Wollek won the Pontiac Grand Prix of Palm Beach, driving the same Porsche 962.[6] Andretti finished fifth in points (112) in the 1989 IMSA season, first among Porsche drivers.[7]

In 1991, he won the only race of his CART career, the Gold Coast Indy 300 in Surfers Paradise, Australia. He finished a career-best fifth in the 1991 Indianapolis 500. The 1994 Indianapolis 500 was his last Indianapolis 500 appearance until his return in 2007.

In 1993, Andretti drove the Taco Bell Express Top Fuel Dragster,[8] reaching 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.

Andretti made his Winston Cup debut in 1993, driving the No. 72 Tex Racing Chevy for Tex Powell at North Wilkesboro Speedway, where he started 31st and finished 24th. After running three more races in 1993, he began the 1994 season driving the No. 14 Financial World-sponsored Chevy for Billy Hagan. On May 29, he became the first driver in history to race in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. He finished tenth at Indy and 36th in the Coca-Cola 600 after suffering mechanical failures.[9] In the middle of the season, he switched to the No. 43 STP-sponsored Pontiac for Petty Enterprises. His best finish was eleventh place, at Richmond Raceway. He ended the season thirty-second in points and fifth in the Rookie of the Year battle.

In 1995, he began driving for Michael Kranefuss in the No. 37 Kmart/Little Caesars-sponsored Ford Thunderbird. He won his first career pole at the Southern 500 and finished in the to-ten five times. He ended the season 18th in points. During the 1996 season, he switched to the No. 98 RCA-sponsored Ford owned by Cale Yarborough after Jeremy Mayfield, the previous driver of the No. 98 car, moved to Kranefuss' team. He placed fifth at the Hanes 500. In 1997, he scored his first career win at the Pepsi 400 and finished 23rd in points. He returned to the No. 43 Petty car in 1998. Although he did not win any races in 1998, he registered ten top-ten finishes and placed a career-best eleventh in points. He won his second career race in 1999 at Martinsville Speedway, where he made up a lost lap and took the lead with four laps to go. He also won the pole at Phoenix Raceway.

21st century

[edit]
Andretti with uncle Mario at the 2007 Indianapolis 500
Andretti's Sprint Cup car at the 2008 Daytona 500
Andretti driving the Roth Racing No. 24 car in practice for the 2008 Indianapolis 500

Midway through the 2000 season, Cheerios became Andretti's primary sponsor.[10] This was the precursor to Petty Enterprises' switch to Dodge as their manufacturer, and with the team pulling double duty trying to keep the Pontiacs they were currently racing and prepare the Dodges that were coming in, things began to fall apart for the organization. He fell to twenty-third in points after finishing in the top ten twice. Over the next two seasons, Andretti posted three top ten finishes including a notable second at Bristol where he finished second to Elliott Sadler (this was the last 1-2 finish for Petty Enterprises and Wood Brothers Racing), before he was released midway through the 2003 season. He ran a couple of races for Haas CNC Racing and Richard Childress Racing before finishing the season in the No. 1 Pennzoil-sponsored Chevy for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. His best finish that year was eighth at California.

In 2001, Andretti teamed up with Kyle Petty to win the GT Class in the six-hour sports car race at Watkins Glen.

Andretti started the 2004 season driving the No. 1 part-time for DEI, but departed midway through the season. He ended the year driving the No. 14 Victory Brand-sponsored Ford Taurus for ppc Racing and finished twenty-second at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Andretti started 2005 still driving with ppc, but the team was forced to dissolve due to a lack of funding. He drove four races in the Craftsman Truck Series for Billy Ballew Motorsports, and finished eighth at Memphis Motorsports Park. He also attempted a handful of Cup races for Morgan-McClure Motorsports' No. 4 Lucas Oil-sponsored Chevrolet, finishing twenty-eighth at Michigan International Speedway, one lap down.

In 2006, Andretti returned to ppc to drive their No. 10 Busch Series car. Before the season, his only Busch start came in 1998 at Daytona, where he finished thirteenth in the No. 96 Chevy fielded by the Curb Agajanian Performance Group. Despite having made over three-hundred Cup starts with two victories, Andretti applied for and was accepted as a contender for Rookie of the Year. He finished twelfth in points, and runner-up to Danny O'Quinn for the award.

In 2007, Andretti drove the No. 10 FreedomRoads/Camping World/RVs.com-sponsored Car for Braun Racing at Daytona through their affiliation with ppc Racing. When funding for the team became questionable, Andretti left Braun Racing. The team used various drivers in 2007 in an attempt to maintain a two-car team. Andretti drove four races for Petty Enterprises in the No. 45 car, where he filled in for Kyle Petty, who was working as a broadcaster for Turner Network Television's race coverage. He also briefly drove part-time for Front Row Motorsports. He finished the season in the No. 49 Paralyzed Veterans of America-sponsored Dodge for BAM Racing.

In 2007, Andretti returned to the Indianapolis 500 for the first time since 1994 when he competed in the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in the same day. He drove the third entry from Panther Racing, with Camping World as the sponsor. On May 19, he qualified for the 91st Indianapolis 500 with an average speed for the four lap qualifying run of 221.756 mph (356.882 km/h). He started in 24th on the eighth row, but crashed on lap 95 and finished 30th.

In 2008, Andretti replaced Jay Howard in the Roth Racing No. 24 Dallara-Honda. Andretti qualified for his ninth Indy 500 on May 17 with a four-lap average of 221.550 mph (356.550 km/h). This placed him 21st on the grid; he finished on the lead lap in 16th place. Andretti continued in the No. 24 car in the Milwaukee Mile and Texas Motor Speedway races, and on June 6 he was offered a deal that would keep him in the car the rest of the season. He did not accept.[11]

Also in 2008, Andretti returned to 24 Hours of Daytona in the Rolex Sports Car Series. Team drivers for the Vision Racing the Porsche Crawford Prototype included Ed Carpenter, A. J. Foyt IV, and Vítor Meira. The team finished 25th, their first Porsche Crawford Prototype entry in the 24 Hours of Daytona.[12]

Andretti drove for Front Row Motorsports in 2008, driving the No. 34 Chevrolet Impala SS in the Sprint Cup Series. He raced his way into the 2008 Daytona 500 in the second Gatorade Duel race. He drove in the first ten races of the season in the 34 before leaving to focus on his IndyCar team.

Andretti qualified seventh at the Texas Motor Speedway race, where he finished sixteenth. He began the race at Iowa Speedway with a rough 23rd position start, but steadily worked his way through the field to capture an 11th-place finish, the best for a Roth Racing machine. His final start for the team was at Richmond International Raceway the following week, where he was knocked out by a crash. Roth Racing contracted to a single car for the rest of the season and then ceased operations. Andretti finished 30th in the 2008 IndyCar points standings.

In 2009, Andretti returned full-time to the 34 in a partnership between Front Row and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. The No. 34 was sponsored by Window World, myAutoloan.com, and Taco Bell. He did not have a full-time ride for 2010, but drove the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports entry to a 38th-place finish after an accident on lap 117 in the Daytona 500, his final NASCAR race.

In April 2009, Andretti and Richard Petty announced a joint venture with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, whereby Andretti would return to Indianapolis to drive the No. 43 car in the 93rd Indianapolis 500. As in his previous two trips to Indianapolis, Andretti did not race the Indy/Charlotte double, and also missed the Southern 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 to prepare for the race. Andretti qualified for the race on bump day in 28th, and finished in nineteenth place, the final car on the lead lap. Andretti returned to drive the No. 34 at Front Row Motorsports immediately after the Indianapolis 500, and returned for the Dover 400 in June.

In March 2010, Andretti announced that he would join forces with Richard Petty and Window World for two events. The No. 43 returned as the entry, which was backed by Andretti Autosport, owned by John's cousin Michael. The team's first race was the RoadRunner Turbo Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway on May 1. Andretti qualified fifteenth but finished ninth, one lap down. The team also competed in the 94th Indianapolis 500 on May 30. After failing to qualify on pole day, Andretti made the race on bump day qualifying 28th for the second consecutive year. Andretti crashed out of the race on lap 65, and was credited with a 30th-place finish.

In 2011, Andretti ran in the centennial Indianapolis 500, partnered with Window World, Petty, and Andretti Autosport, where he finished 22nd.

In 2012, Andretti returned to the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Yellow Dragon Motorsports with support from long-time sponsor Window World. His co-drivers were Taylor Hacquard, Anders Krohn and his son Jarett. The team retired with engine issues during the overnight hours and finished 50th overall in what ended up being Andretti's final professional race.

Philanthropy and broadcasting

[edit]

Andretti was active in the Indianapolis-area community, working with 93.1 WIBC, and Dave "The King" Wilson, and General Mills to hold the Race for Riley, benefiting James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children. In 2007, Andretti began co-hosting The Driver's Seat with John Kernan on Sirius Satellite Radio's NASCAR channel 90.

Personal life

[edit]

Andretti's son, Jarett, currently races a GT Porsche in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship with co-driver Gabby Chaves.[13] Jarett formerly competed in the USAC National Sprint Car Championship and the GT4 America Series.[14]

Illness and death

[edit]

In April 2017, Andretti disclosed that he had stage four colon cancer.[15] His cancer battle, originally misdiagnosed as Stage III-A cancer, was widely publicized, with him starting a Twitter hashtag called #CheckIt4Andretti, promoting preventative colonoscopies. After months of undergoing chemotherapy, Andretti was deemed cancer-free in late 2017. However, in May 2018, the cancer reemerged, and metastasized further. He went through another round of chemotherapy for the rest of the year, which ended in January 2019. The cancer relapsed again in late March 2019.

On January 30, 2020, Andretti died of colon cancer in Mooresville, North Carolina, at age 56, eleven months before the death of his father.[16]

After his death, #CheckIt4Andretti became a foundation to provide colonoscopies for those without health insurance.[17]

In 2021, Andretti Motorsports announced a partnership with Jarrett and Unite Health Share Ministries for the "Steer Clear of Cancer" campaign, to raise donations for the foundation during Colon Cancer Awareness Month.[18]

Motorsports career results

[edit]

American open–wheel racing results

[edit]

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position)

PPG Indycar Series

[edit]
Year Team Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Rank Pts Ref
1987 Curb Racing March 87C Ford Cosworth DFX LBH PHX INDY MIL POR MEA CLE TOR MCH POC ROA
6 		MDO
10 		NAZ
11 		LAG
7 		MIA
8 		17th 24 [19]
1988 Lola T88/00 PHX
14 		LBH
20 		INDY
21 		MIL
18 		POR
17 		CLE
8 		TOR
22 		MEA
25 		MCH
24 		POC
14 		MDO ROA NAZ
16 		LAG MIA 31st 5 [20]
1989 Vince Granatelli Racing Lola T88/00 Buick 3300 V6t PHX LBH INDY
25 		MIL DET POR CLE MEA TOR
25 		MCH
24 		POC
17 		MDO ROA NAZ
19 		LAG
12 		33rd 1 [21]
1990 Porsche Motorsports March 90P Porsche Indy V8 PHX
17 		LBH
21 		INDY
21 		MIL
7 		DET
22 		POR
21 		CLE
5 		MEA
7 		TOR
13 		MCH
7 		DEN
6 		VAN
5 		MDO
13 		ROA
22 		NAZ
19 		LAG
8 		10th 51 [22]
1991 Hall/VDS Racing Lola T91/00 Chevrolet 265A SRF
1 		LBH
18 		PHX
11 		INDY
5 		MIL
2 		DET
6 		POR
19 		CLE
15 		MEA
4 		TOR
5 		MCH
6 		DEN
7 		VAN
7 		MDO
10 		ROA
19 		NAZ
9 		LAG
19 		8th 105 [23]
1992 Lola T92/00 SRF
6 		PHX
6 		LBH
20 		INDY
8 		DET
21 		POR
5 		MIL
9 		NHA
5 		TOR
5 		MCH
6 		CLE
12 		ROA
6 		VAN
15 		MDO
4 		NAZ
18 		LAG
5 		8th 94 [24]
1993 A. J. Foyt Enterprises Lola T92/00 Ford XB SRF PHX LBH INDY
10 		MIL DET POR CLE TOR MCH NHA ROA VAN MDO NAZ LAG 28th 3 [25]
1994 Lola T94/00 SRF PHX LBH INDY
10 		MIL DET POR CLE TOR MCH MDO NHA VAN ROA NAZ LAG 29th 3 [26]

IndyCar Series

[edit]
Year Team Chassis No. Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Rank Pts Ref
2007 Panther Racing Dallara
IR-05 		33 Honda HMS STP MOT KAN INDY
30 		MIL TXS IOW RIR WGL NSH MDO MCH KTY SNM DET CHI 35th 10 [27]
2008 Roth Racing 29 HMS STP MOT1 LBH1 KAN INDY
16 		MIL
19 		TXS
16 		IOW
11 		RIR
21 		WGL NSH MDO EDM KTY SNM DET CHI SRF2 30th 71 [28]
2009 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing 43 STP LBH KAN INDY
19 		MIL TXS IOW RIR WGL TOR EDM KTY MDO SNM CHI MOT HMS 37th 12 [29]
2010 Andretti Autosport SAO STP ALA LBH KAN
9 		INDY
30 		TXS IOW WGL TOR EDM MDO SNM CHI KTY MOT HMS 32nd 35 [30]
2011 STP ALA LBH SAO INDY
22 		TXS TXS MIL IOW TOR EDM MDO NWH SNM BAL MOT KTY LVS3
C 		42nd 16 [31]
1 Run on same day.
2 Non-points-paying, exhibition race.
3 The Las Vegas Indy 300 was abandoned after Dan Wheldon died from injuries sustained in a 15-car crash on lap 11.

Indianapolis 500 results

[edit]
Year Chassis Engine Start Finish Team
1988 Lola T88/00 Ford Cosworth DFX 27 21 Curb Racing
1989 Lola T88/00 Buick 12 25 Vince Granatelli Racing
1990 March 90P Porsche Motorsports 10 21 Porsche
1991 Lola T91/00 Chevrolet 265A 7 5 Hall/VDS Racing
1992 Lola T92/00 Chevrolet 265A 14 8 Hall/VDS Racing
1993 Lola T92/00 Ford XB 24 10 A. J. Foyt Enterprises
1994 Lola T94/00 Ford XB 10 10 A. J. Foyt Enterprises
2007 Dallara Honda 24 30 Panther Racing
2008 Dallara Honda 21 16 Roth Racing
2009 Dallara Honda 28 19 Richard Petty/DRR
2010 Dallara Honda 28 30 Richard Petty/Andretti Autosport
2011 Dallara Honda 17 22 Richard Petty/Andretti Autosport

Complete Bathurst 1000 results

[edit]
Year Team Car Co-driver Class Position Laps
1988 Garry Rogers Motorsport Holden Commodore VL Australia Garry Rogers Gr.A DNF 37

24 Hours of Le Mans

[edit]
Year Team Co-Drivers Car Class Laps Pos. Class
Pos.
1988 Germany Porsche AG United States Mario Andretti
United States Michael Andretti 		Porsche 962C C1 375 6th 6th

NASCAR

[edit]

(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

Sprint Cup Series

[edit]
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 NSCC Pts Ref
1993 Tex Racing 72 Chevy DAY CAR RCH ATL DAR BRI NWS MAR TAL SON CLT DOV POC MCH DAY NHA POC TAL GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV MAR NWS
24 		CLT
31 		CAR
39 		PHO
40 		ATL
DNQ 		50th 250 [32]
1994 Hagan Racing 14 Chevy DAY
42 		CAR
24 		RCH
30 		ATL
42 		DAR
38 		BRI
DNQ 		NWS
31 		MAR
35 		TAL
29 		SON
19 		CLT
36 		DOV
22 		POC
35 		MCH
36 		DAY
35 		NHA
27 		POC
25 		TAL
40 		IND
28 		GLN 32nd 2299 [33]
Petty Enterprises 43 Pontiac MCH
17 		BRI
30 		DAR
16 		RCH
11 		DOV
25 		MAR
21 		NWS
17 		CLT
24 		CAR
25 		PHO
43 		ATL
13
1995 Kranefuss-Haas Racing 37 Ford DAY
27 		CAR
13 		RCH
10 		ATL
20 		DAR
10 		BRI
19 		NWS
17 		MAR
32 		TAL
41 		SON
11 		CLT
17 		DOV
39 		POC
30 		MCH
4 		DAY
33 		NHA
33 		POC
38 		TAL
34 		IND
12 		GLN
7 		MCH
37 		BRI
19 		DAR
12 		RCH
7 		DOV
39 		MAR
13 		NWS
17 		CLT
13 		CAR
25 		PHO
15 		ATL
15 		18th 3140 [34]
1996 DAY
38 		CAR
38 		RCH
12 		ATL
21 		DAR
40 		BRI
DNQ 		NWS
34 		MAR
36 		TAL
9 		SON
11 		CLT
27 		DOV
33 		POC
16 		MCH
24 		DAY
23 		NHA
40 		POC
23 		TAL
39 		IND
19 		GLN
26 		MCH
31 		BRI
38 		DAR
5 		31st 2621 [35]
Cale Yarborough Motorsports 98 Ford RCH
36 		DOV
14 		MAR
5 		NWS
24 		CLT
39 		CAR
26 		PHO
19 		ATL
24
1997 DAY
25 		CAR
34 		RCH
31 		ATL
15 		DAR
25 		TEX
12 		BRI
24 		MAR
28 		SON
30 		TAL
4 		CLT
30 		DOV
29 		POC
40 		MCH
37 		CAL
21 		DAY
1* 		NHA
14 		POC
24 		IND
17 		GLN
20 		MCH
35 		BRI
11 		DAR
37 		RCH
22 		NHA
17 		DOV
15 		MAR
29 		CLT
32 		TAL
3 		CAR
31 		PHO
39 		ATL
22 		23rd 3019 [36]
1998 Petty Enterprises 43 Pontiac DAY
18 		CAR
13 		LVS
41 		ATL
20 		DAR
13 		BRI
19 		TEX
42 		MAR
18 		TAL
33 		CAL
31 		CLT
7 		DOV
12 		RCH
22 		MCH
20 		POC
13 		SON
3 		NHA
6 		POC
12 		IND
7 		GLN
8 		MCH
9 		BRI
38 		NHA
3 		DAR
14 		RCH
5 		DOV
9 		MAR
37 		CLT
12 		TAL
21 		DAY
14 		PHO
6 		CAR
34 		ATL
32 		11th 3682 [37]
1999 DAY
43 		CAR
19 		LVS
12 		ATL
28 		DAR
9 		TEX
38 		BRI
4 		MAR
1 		TAL
9 		CAL
17 		RCH
39 		CLT
19 		DOV
13 		MCH
8 		POC
28 		SON
3 		DAY
19 		NHA
18 		POC
42 		IND
37 		GLN
29 		MCH
10 		BRI
40 		DAR
18 		RCH
9 		NHA
41 		DOV
41 		MAR
43 		CLT
17 		TAL
32 		CAR
7 		PHO
8 		HOM
16 		ATL
33 		17th 3394 [38]
2000 DAY
22 		CAR
12 		LVS
25 		ATL
18 		DAR
20 		BRI
33 		TEX
32 		MAR
14 		TAL
11 		CAL
25 		RCH
18 		CLT
31 		DOV
13 		MCH
9 		POC
21 		SON
43 		DAY
14 		NHA
40 		POC
41 		IND
42 		GLN
37 		MCH
27 		BRI
20 		DAR
37 		RCH
11 		NHA
7 		DOV
22 		MAR
13 		CLT
18 		TAL
20 		CAR
23 		PHO
28 		HOM
37 		ATL
19 		23rd 3169 [39]
2001 Dodge DAY
39 		CAR
21 		LVS
37 		ATL
14 		DAR
6 		BRI
2 		TEX
31 		MAR
35 		TAL
37 		CAL
26 		RCH
34 		CLT
DNQ 		DOV
19 		MCH
37 		POC
39 		SON
30 		DAY
22 		CHI
23 		NHA
23 		POC
27 		IND
14 		GLN
14 		MCH
26 		BRI
21 		DAR
21 		RCH
30 		DOV
19 		KAN
39 		CLT
26 		MAR
33 		TAL
34 		PHO
39 		CAR
29 		HOM
22 		ATL
25 		NHA
36 		31st 2943 [40]
2002 DAY
37 		CAR
15 		LVS
36 		ATL
36 		DAR
22 		BRI
34 		TEX
22 		MAR
42 		TAL
38 		CAL
24 		RCH
20 		CLT
15 		DOV
32 		POC
31 		MCH
23 		SON
10 		DAY
24 		CHI
22 		NHA
25 		POC
23 		IND
26 		GLN
11 		MCH
20 		BRI
19 		DAR
42 		RCH
29 		NHA
22 		DOV
29 		KAN
14 		TAL
18 		CLT
23 		MAR
13 		ATL
43 		CAR
18 		PHO
14 		HOM
39 		28th 3161 [41]
2003 DAY
34 		CAR
39 		LVS
18 		ATL
29 		DAR
38 		BRI
31 		TEX
19 		TAL
14 		MAR
30 		CAL
8 		RCH
30 		CLT
39 		DOV
34 		POC
23 		MCH SON DAY CHI 38th 2379 [42]
Haas CNC Racing 0 Pontiac NHA
41 		POC
33 		GLN
19 		MCH BRI DAR
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 81 Chevy IND
43
1 RCH
14 		NHA
12 		DOV
34 		KAN
19 		CLT
30 		MAR
31 		ATL
22 		PHO
16 		CAR
30 		HOM
42
Richard Childress Racing 90 Chevy TAL
15
2004 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 1 Chevy DAY
13 		CAR
29 		LVS ATL DAR BRI TEX MAR TAL CAL RCH CLT
19 		DOV POC MCH SON DAY
43 		CHI
16 		NHA 45th 818 [43]
8 POC
RL† 		IND GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH NHA DOV TAL KAN
Ppc Racing 14 Ford CLT
22 		MAR ATL
25 		PHO
31 		DAR
DNQ 		HOM
20
2005 DAY
31 		CAL
29 		LVS
28 		ATL
DNQ 		BRI MAR TEX PHO TAL DAR RCH CLT DOV POC MCH SON DAY CHI NHA POC IND GLN 55th 304 [44]
Morgan-McClure Motorsports 4 Chevy MCH
28 		BRI CAL
DNQ 		RCH NHA DOV TAL KAN CLT MAR ATL TEX PHO HOM
2007 Front Row Motorsports 37 Dodge DAY CAL
34 		LVS
DNQ 		ATL
DNQ 		BRI MAR TEX
DNQ 		PHO
DNQ 		TAL
DNQ 		RCH DAR CLT DOV POC 48th 932 [45]
Petty Enterprises 45 Dodge MCH
27 		SON NHA
42 		DAY
28 		CHI
18 		IND POC GLN
BAM Racing 49 Dodge MCH
37 		BRI
40 		CAL
37 		RCH
37 		NHA
DNQ 		DOV
37 		KAN
33 		TAL
33 		CLT
42 		MAR
33 		ATL
28 		TEX
DNQ 		PHO
DNQ 		HOM
DNQ
2008 Front Row Motorsports 34 Chevy DAY
40 		CAL
35 		LVS
DNQ 		ATL
DNQ 		BRI
DNQ 		MAR
DNQ 		TEX
40 		PHO
DNQ 		TAL
DNQ 		RCH
DNQ 		DAR CLT DOV POC MCH SON NHA DAY CHI IND POC GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH NHA DOV KAN TAL CLT MAR ATL TEX PHO HOM 62nd 149 [46]
2009 DAY
19 		CAL
31 		LVS
28 		ATL
29 		BRI
34 		MAR
35 		TEX
26 		PHO
38 		TAL
27 		RCH
32 		DAR CLT DOV
34 		POC
35 		MCH
33 		SON
30 		NHA
16 		DAY
27 		CHI
30 		IND
32 		POC
30 		GLN
30 		MCH
28 		BRI
30 		ATL
31 		RCH
29 		NHA
26 		DOV
27 		KAN
33 		CAL
19 		CLT
36 		MAR
26 		TAL
23 		TEX
24 		PHO
34 		HOM
33 		36th 2597 [47]
2010 Ford DAY
38 		CAL LVS ATL BRI MAR PHO TEX TAL RCH DAR DOV CLT POC MCH SON NHA DAY CHI IND POC GLN MCH BRI ATL RCH NHA DOV KAN CAL CLT MAR TAL TEX PHO HOM 71st 49 [48]
† - Relieved Dale Earnhardt Jr. during race
Daytona 500
[edit]
Year Team Manufacturer Start Finish
1994 Hagan Racing Chevrolet 15 42
1995 Kranefuss-Haas Racing Ford 38 27
1996 6 38
1997 Cale Yarborough Motorsports Ford 32 25
1998 Petty Enterprises Pontiac 17 18
1999 36 43
2000 30 22
2001 Dodge 26 39
2002 16 37
2003 12 34
2004 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Chevrolet 29 13
2005 Ppc Racing Ford 42 31
2008 Front Row Motorsports Chevrolet 22 40
2009 37 19
2010 Ford 33 38

Busch Series

[edit]
NASCAR Busch Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 NBGNC Pts Ref
1998 Andretti-Laird Racing 96 Chevy DAY
13 		CAR LVS NSV DAR BRI TEX HCY TAL NHA NZH CLT DOV RCH PPR GLN MLW MYB CAL SBO IRP MCH BRI DAR RCH DOV CLT GTY CAR ATL HOM 93rd 124 [49]
2005 Ppc Racing 10 Ford DAY CAL MXC LVS ATL NSH BRI TEX PHO TAL DAR RCH CLT DOV NSH KEN MLW DAY CHI NHA PPR GTY IRP GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH DOV KAN CLT MEM TEX PHO HOM
DNQ 		NA - [50]
2006 DAY
34 		CAL
19 		MXC
23 		LVS
42 		ATL
20 		BRI
9 		TEX
19 		NSH
28 		PHO
34 		TAL
16 		RCH
19 		DAR
15 		CLT
17 		DOV
19 		NSH
18 		KEN
15 		MLW
12 		DAY
10 		CHI
25 		NHA
18 		MAR
7 		GTY
26 		IRP
27 		GLN
5 		MCH
30 		BRI
14 		CAL
29 		RCH
16 		DOV
19 		KAN
23 		CLT
25 		MEM
35 		TEX
15 		PHO
25 		HOM
16 		12th 3562 [51]
2007 Toyota DAY
39 		CAL MXC LVS ATL BRI NSH TEX PHO TAL RCH DAR CLT DOV NSH KEN MLW NHA DAY CHI GTY IRP CGV GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH DOV KAN CLT MEM TEX PHO HOM 147th 46 [52]

Craftsman Truck Series

[edit]
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 NCTC Pts Ref
2005 Billy Ballew Motorsports 15 Chevy DAY CAL ATL MAR GTY MFD CLT DOV TEX MCH MLW KAN
9 		KEN MEM
8 		IRP
36 		NSH
11 		BRI RCH NHA LVS MAR ATL TEX PHO HOM 46th 465 [53]
2008 Billy Ballew Motorsports 15 Toyota DAY CAL ATL MAR KAN CLT MFD DOV TEX MCH MLW MEM KEN IRP NSH BRI GTW NHA LVS
4 		TAL
14 		MAR ATL TEX PHO HOM 53rd 291 [54]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

John Andretti

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from Grokipedia
John Andretti (March 12, 1963 – January 30, 2020) was an American professional race car driver renowned for his versatility across multiple disciplines, including open-wheel racing, stock cars, sports cars, and . As a member of the prominent Andretti racing dynasty, he was the son of racer and nephew of and winner , with cousins including Michael and . Andretti's career highlights included a victory in the 1991 race at Surfers Paradise, two Cup Series wins at Daytona in 1997 and Martinsville in 1999, and an overall win at the 1989 Rolex 24 at Daytona. He made history as the first driver to attempt the " Double," competing in both the and the on the same day in 1994. Andretti passed away at age 56 following a three-year battle with stage 4 colon cancer, during which he launched the #CheckIt4Andretti awareness campaign to promote early screenings. Born in , Andretti began his racing journey in karting before progressing to cars, where he won the USAC Speedrome Regional series championship in 1983. His professional career took off in with , culminating in an overall win at the 1989 Rolex 24 at Daytona alongside teammates and Derek Bell. Transitioning to open-wheel racing, Andretti earned CART Rookie of the Year honors in 1987 and competed in 12 races from 1988 to 2011, achieving his best finish of fifth place in 1991. That year, he also secured his sole win on the street circuit in Surfers Paradise, , and participated in a family 1-2-3 finish at alongside Michael and . In NASCAR, Andretti logged 393 Cup Series starts between 1993 and 2010, racing for teams owned by legends like and , and qualified for 15 Daytona 500s. His stock car triumphs included the 1997 Pepsi 400 at Daytona, marking the first win for owner , and the 1999 Goody's Headache Powder 500 at Martinsville. Andretti also ventured into NHRA drag racing in 1993, reaching the Top Fuel semifinals at the FRAM Southern Nationals and recording a career-best speed of 299 mph. Off the track, he was married to Nancy Andretti and had three children—Jarett, Olivia, and Amelia—with son Jarett following in the family footsteps as a racer in sprint cars, sports cars, and Indy Lights. Diagnosed with colon cancer in April 2017, Andretti underwent and while continuing to advocate for awareness through partnerships with organizations like the Colon Cancer Coalition and Riley Children's Health. His #CheckIt4Andretti initiative emphasized the importance of early detection, inspired by his own late-stage diagnosis. Andretti's enduring legacy lies not only in his racing accomplishments across diverse series but also in his courage and contributions to cancer awareness, influencing both the motorsport community and public health efforts.

Early life and family

Childhood and education

John Andretti was born on March 12, 1963, in , to race car driver and his wife. As the son of a racer and nephew of legendary driver , he grew up immersed in a racing-oriented household that fostered an early passion for motorsports. Family gatherings often revolved around racing events, providing young Andretti with direct exposure to high-profile tracks, including the , where relatives competed and celebrated milestones. Andretti attended local schools in , a town closely tied to his family's roots through his uncle Mario's residency and early racing career there. His initial foray into competitive driving began with go-karting at age 10, where he quickly showed promise by securing first competitive wins in regional kart events. This early experience honed his skills and solidified his commitment to racing as more than a family tradition. After high school, Andretti briefly pursued higher education at Moravian College in nearby , while balancing academics with weekend racing commitments. He earned a degree in business management in 1985, though his growing involvement in motorsports increasingly shaped his path forward. During his college years, he lived with his cousin Michael's family in , further embedding him in the local racing community.

Family background in motorsports

John Andretti was born into a prominent racing family, with his father, , serving as a key figure in the early open-wheel racing scene. Aldo, the twin brother of legendary driver , competed in the United States Auto Club (USAC) National Sprint Car Series and other dirt track events during the , achieving notable starts before a severe facial injury in a 1969 sprint car crash effectively ended his driving career. Aldo died on December 31, 2020. Aldo's involvement in USAC and later IndyCar-related activities provided young John with direct exposure to the sport, fostering an environment where racing was a family pursuit from an early age. The most influential family member for John was his uncle, Mario Andretti, whose extraordinary achievements set a high standard for the family's racing legacy. Mario secured four IndyCar national championships in 1965, 1966, 1969, and 1984, along with a victory in the 1969 Indianapolis 500, and capped his career by winning the 1978 Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship with Lotus. Mario's success across multiple disciplines inspired John, who often cited his uncle's versatility and dominance as a motivating force in pursuing a professional racing path, emphasizing the family's tradition of excellence in open-wheel competition. John's cousins, Michael and Jeff Andretti—sons of Mario—further exemplified the family's deep motorsports roots. Michael won the 1991 CART IndyCar World Series championship and later founded Andretti Autosport (now Andretti Global), which has claimed three additional IndyCar titles and three Indianapolis 500 victories since 2003. Jeff competed in 23 CART/IndyCar races from 1990 to 1994, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 1991 and achieving a career-best seventh-place finish at the 1991 Gold Coast Grand Prix. John's brother, Adam Andretti, also pursued racing, beginning in 1994 with Mini Cup cars and later competing in series like Trans Am, where he reached his 100th start in 2025, continuing the family's multi-generational involvement. The Andretti lineage is often associated with the so-called "," a term describing the family's pattern of near-misses and misfortunes at the despite overall success, including multiple pole positions and strong runs that ended in heartbreak, such as mechanical failures or late-race incidents. This legacy of resilience amid adversity profoundly shaped John's approach to the sport, reinforcing the expectation of perseverance in the face of competitive challenges.

Racing career

Early career and open-wheel racing

Andretti began his professional racing career in open-wheel disciplines with the (USAC) in the mid-1980s, debuting in both national and sprint car series. He recorded three feature wins in USAC National competition, including a victory at Paragon Speedway in 1985, and made 21 starts in USAC National Sprint Cars between 1984 and 1988, achieving three second-place finishes as his best results. Earlier, at age 20, he captured the 1983 USAC Speedrome Regional series championship with three victories that season. Supported by family connections in motorsports, including his uncle , John entered the IndyCar World Series in 1987 with Curb Racing, competing in five events and earning series Rookie of the Year honors with consistent finishes, including 11th at . He ran a partial schedule in 1989 with six starts across multiple teams, before securing a more regular role with Hall/VDS Racing in 1991, where he contested 17 races. That year marked Andretti's career highlight in , as he secured his lone series victory at the inaugural Gold Coast Indy on the street circuit in Surfers Paradise, , inheriting the lead with four laps remaining in the No. 4 Lola-Chevrolet to beat by 12.7 seconds. Andretti qualified for the twelve times from 1988–1994 and 2007–2011, with his strongest performance a fifth-place finish in 1991 after starting 7th. In 1994, he attempted the unprecedented "Double," racing the —where he started 10th and finished 10th in the No. 40 Lola-Ford—and then flying to for the , though engine failure limited him to a 36th-place result after 220 laps.

Stock car racing

John Andretti transitioned to in 1993, making his debut at in the No. 72 Chevrolet for Tex Powell, where he started 31st and finished 24th. He ran a partial schedule that year with three starts, marking his entry into oval track stock car competition following his open-wheel background. In 1994, Andretti joined Billy Hagan Racing full-time in the No. 41 Pontiac, competing in 29 races and adapting to the physical demands of stock car ovals, though he struggled with consistency amid equipment challenges. The following year, he moved to Kranefuss-Haas Racing in the No. 37 Ford, securing his first pole at the and achieving his career-best points finish of 18th with five top-10 results. Over his career spanning 1993 to 2010, Andretti amassed 393 starts, two victories, and four poles, often delivering solid mid-pack performances for teams including Robert Yates Racing, Motorsports, and . Andretti's first Cup win came on July 4, 1997, in the Pepsi 400 at , driving the No. 98 Ford for Motorsports; he led the final 12 laps in a chaotic finish to claim victory in NASCAR's summer classic. His second triumph arrived on April 18, 1999, at in the Goody's Headache Powder 500 for ' No. 43 Pontiac, where he staged a remarkable comeback from 29th to first in the final 50 laps by conserving tires while leaders faltered. These successes highlighted his versatility in restrictor-plate and short-track racing. Andretti competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 1993 to 2003 and again in 2006-2007, logging 37 starts without a but posting occasional top-10 finishes, such as at Daytona in 1998. In the Truck Series, he debuted in 1995 with sporadic appearances, accumulating six starts through 2008 primarily as a road course specialist, with a best finish of ninth at Talladega in 2006 but no wins.

Sports car and international racing

Andretti entered professional racing in 1986, joining the North America team for the GTP Championship. Paired with co-driver Davy Jones, he secured a victory in the season-opening Copier 500 at , marking an early highlight in his endurance racing endeavors. In 1989, Andretti achieved one of his most notable successes in the category by winning the overall and in the GTP class. Driving a for the Jim Busby Racing team alongside Derek Bell and , the trio finished just 86.5 seconds ahead of the second-place car in the closest finish in the event's history up to that point. This victory underscored Andretti's adaptability in prototype machinery and high-stakes endurance formats. Andretti expanded his international profile in 1988 with appearances at two prestigious endurance events abroad. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he joined family members Mario and Michael Andretti in a factory-backed Porsche 962C entered by Rothsport Racing, finishing sixth overall after a reliable 24-hour run that highlighted the Andretti clan's collaborative strength. Later that year, he traveled to Australia for the Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama Circuit, co-driving a Holden Commodore VL for Garry Rogers Motorsport; the entry retired due to mechanical issues but represented a bold foray into Australian touring car racing. During the 2000s, Andretti maintained involvement in through the Grand American Road Racing Association's , competing in multiple editions of the 24 at Daytona and other events in both and GT classes. A standout result came in 2001 at , where he and won the GT class in a GT car, demonstrating his continued competitiveness in grand touring machinery later in his career. These outings exemplified Andretti's versatility across , GT, and international endurance disciplines.

Major achievements and records

John Andretti's most notable feat was becoming the first driver to successfully complete the "Double" by competing in both the and the on the same day, May 29, 1994. He finished 10th in the Indy 500 driving for Enterprises before helicoptering to , where he started 9th and finished 36th in the No. 14 Hagan Enterprises Chevrolet after an engine failure on lap 220. Andretti demonstrated remarkable versatility across motorsports disciplines, securing victories in four major series. In , he won the 1991 Gold Coast Indy Car Grand Prix at Surfers Paradise, . His two triumphs came at in the 1997 Pepsi 400 for Cale Yarborough Motorsports and at in the 1999 Goody's Headache Powder 500 for . In , he claimed the overall victory in the 1986 GTP race at alongside Davy Jones for Motorsports and co-drove a to win the 1989 Rolex 24 at Daytona with Bob Wollek and Derek Bell for Jim Busby Racing. In competition, Andretti earned four pole positions between 1995 and 1999, showcasing his qualifying prowess on ovals. Early in his career, Andretti excelled in USAC racing, winning the 1983 Speedrome Regional series championship at age 20 and securing a USAC National feature victory at Paragon Speedway in 1985 for car owner Rollie Helmling. These successes contributed to the Andretti family's extensive legacy in the discipline, with multiple generations achieving prominence in USAC events. Although Andretti never captured a major series championship, he maintained consistent performance with several top-20 points finishes, including 11th in the 1998 standings and 18th in 1995. In , his best seasonal result was 10th in points in 1991.

Later career and contributions

Broadcasting work

Following his retirement from full-time racing in 2003, John Andretti transitioned to media roles, utilizing his broad experience across open-wheel, stock car, and sports car disciplines to offer informed perspectives on the sport. He co-hosted The Driver's Seat with John Kernan on ’s NASCAR channel 90, starting in 2007. In the , Andretti contributed to racing and publications, emphasizing driver safety improvements and the evolution of racing series. He appeared as a guest on the Week In podcast hosted by Marshall Pruett in January 2018, discussing industry changes and safety amid his personal health journey. Additionally, he co-authored the autobiography Racer (published September 2020 by Octane Press), a reflecting on his career highlights and the progression of motorsports.

Philanthropy and advocacy

Following his 2017 diagnosis with colorectal cancer, John Andretti launched the #CheckIt4Andretti campaign to promote awareness of the disease and encourage early detection through colonoscopies, particularly targeting individuals over 50 or at high risk. The initiative, which leveraged his racing platform during events like the Indianapolis 500, emphasized the simplicity and life-saving potential of screenings for uninsured or underinsured people, ultimately evolving into the CheckIt4Andretti Foundation after his death to fund free procedures and education. By providing access to over 100 screenings as of 2025, the campaign and foundation highlighted Andretti's commitment to preventive health, drawing on his personal experience to destigmatize the procedure and save lives. Andretti's philanthropy extended to children's health through his long-standing involvement with the Riley Children's Foundation, where he co-founded the annual Race for Riley event in 1997 to support pediatric care at in . Over 23 years, the event raised nearly $4.5 million, funding treatments, equipment, and programs for seriously ill children, with Andretti personally presenting checks and participating despite his own health challenges. This effort exemplified his dedication to youth welfare in his hometown, using motorsports-themed fundraisers to engage the racing community and local donors. Prior to his illness, Andretti advocated for driver in both and , drawing from his extensive experience across series to promote precautions like proper seating and restraints in and everyday vehicles. Through partnerships with series foundations, he supported initiatives to enhance standards and education for drivers, emphasizing responsibility beyond the track to protect families and fans. These efforts underscored his broader role as an for the sport's well-being, influencing discussions in high-speed environments.

Personal life

Marriage and family

John Andretti met his future wife, Nancy Summers, while they were both students at North High School in , where he demonstrated notable persistence in pursuing a relationship with her before they in 1987. Following their , the couple relocated to that same year, establishing a shared life centered in the city known for its motorsports heritage, where Andretti pursued his racing career while building a family. Nancy provided steadfast support throughout Andretti's professional endeavors, including during pivotal moments like his historic attempt at the " Double" in 1994, when he competed in the (finishing 10th) and then flew to Charlotte for the the same day. The couple had three children: son Jarett, born on December 13, 1992; daughter Olivia, born in 1995; and youngest daughter Amelia, born in 2002. Jarett followed in his father's footsteps by pursuing a racing career, competing in karting and later advancing to professional series such as , where he joined Andretti Autosport in 2021 to drive in the Prototype Challenge class with a JS P320. The family often attended Andretti's races together, fostering a close-knit dynamic that emphasized the joys and challenges of life in the high-stakes world of motorsports. Growing up within the storied Andretti racing dynasty—as the nephew of and son of —John and Nancy instilled in their children core values of resilience, perseverance, and community involvement, drawing from the extended family's long tradition in the sport. These principles were evident in how the family navigated the demands of Andretti's career, prioritizing mutual support and a sense of belonging amid the Andretti legacy's emphasis on excellence and giving back.

Interests and residence

John Andretti made his home in , during the late 1980s and 1990s, drawn by its proximity to the , which facilitated his racing commitments in the region. Later in life, he resided in (near Charlotte), where he lived with his wife and three children until his death in 2020. This allowed him to maintain strong ties to the central community, where his roots ran deep and influenced his active participation in local events supporting youth and families.

Illness, death, and legacy

Battle with cancer

In January 2017, at age 53, John Andretti underwent a routine that detected cancerous polyps, resulting in an initial diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer. He promptly underwent to remove 12 to 14 inches of his colon. Further evaluation revealed the cancer had metastasized to his liver, leading to an upgraded stage 4 diagnosis announced publicly in April 2017 when he was 54. Andretti received primary treatment at the Levine Cancer Institute in , beginning with aggressive shortly after his stage 4 diagnosis; he completed this initial course in November 2017 and was declared cancer-free by late that year. The cancer recurred in mid-2018, prompting additional in early , along with participation in clinical trials that included to target the disease. These treatments involved periods of remission interspersed with recurrences, accompanied by hospitalizations for complications and ongoing management. Determined to raise awareness about screening, Andretti shared his diagnosis and treatment journey via starting in April 2017, using the #CheckIt4Andretti to encourage early detection and inspire others facing similar challenges. His illness significantly limited his ability to return to competitive , though he remained involved in the sport by supporting his Jarett's career amid ongoing health struggles. Throughout hospitalizations and therapy sessions, Andretti drew strength from his family's unwavering support, particularly his wife Nancy, who accompanied him during treatments.

Death and tributes

John Andretti passed away on January 30, 2020, at the age of 56 in his home in , surrounded by his wife and three children, after a three-year battle with colon cancer. Andretti Autosport, the team owned by his cousin , issued the official announcement of his passing, expressing profound grief and highlighting his enduring impact on racing. and the released statements mourning his loss, praising his versatility and courage throughout his career and illness. also shared a , noting Andretti's achievements across multiple series and his status as a beloved figure in the sport. Two memorial services honored Andretti's life. The first occurred on February 3, 2020, in , featuring a visitation, , and service attended by and close friends. A second service took place on February 6, 2020, at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in , followed by a led by members that included a ceremonial lap around the ; it was attended by racing luminaries such as his uncle and cousin . Immediate tributes from the racing community underscored Andretti's widespread respect. A moment of silence was observed during the NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony on February 1, 2020. At the later that month, multiple drivers, including of , paid homage with special decals on their vehicles featuring Andretti's name and image.

Enduring legacy

Following John Andretti's death in 2020, the CheckIt4Andretti Foundation has continued its mission under the leadership of his family, particularly his son , who serves as a director. The organization focuses on raising awareness and funding screenings for uninsured or underinsured individuals, providing free colonoscopies through partnerships with healthcare providers and clinics. Recent initiatives include the 2024 partnership with Window World of the Triad and driver to promote screenings at events, as well as the inaugural 2025 Pickleball Tournament presented by , aimed at further expanding outreach. Jarett Andretti has extended the family's racing legacy through his own competitive career and business ventures. He competed full-time in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's LMP3 class starting in 2021 with Andretti Autosport, accumulating 14 starts by 2023 and securing at least one class victory during that period. Transitioning to the GTD class in 2023, he co-drove the No. 94 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 alongside Gabby Chaves, and in 2024, he piloted the No. 43 Porsche 911 GT3 R for Andretti Motorsports with Gabby Chaves, contributing to the team's endurance racing efforts. After the 2024 season, the No. 43 Porsche was placed for sale in January 2025, and as of November 2025, Jarett has focused on sprint car racing and expanding the Andretti Indoor Karting & Games facilities. Beyond the track, Jarett plays a key role in the Andretti family's Andretti Indoor Karting & Games facilities, participating in promotional events and representing the brand at openings like the 2024 Fort Worth location. Andretti's versatility as a driver across , , , and other series earned him lasting recognition in motorsports circles, including his 2018 induction into the Hoosier Auto Racing Fans (HARF) Hall of Fame for his multifaceted achievements. Posthumous tributes in 2020 highlighted his rare wins in multiple disciplines, solidifying his reputation as one of the most adaptable competitors of his era. His advocacy for cancer screenings has had a broader impact on the sport, inspiring ongoing campaigns like the "Steer Clear of Cancer" initiative by Andretti Motorsports and tributes from teams such as , which honored him with throwback schemes to promote awareness. Through Jarett's pursuits and the family's sustained involvement in and , the Andretti dynasty remains a cornerstone of American motorsports.

Motorsports career results

IndyCar Series results

John Andretti's career in the spanned from 1987 to 2011, with 73 starts in the /Champ Car era (1987-1994) and 10 starts in the IRL/ era (2007-2011), for a total of 83 starts, 1 win, 2 top-5 finishes, 14 top-10 finishes, and no pole positions. His best results were 8th place in 1991 and 1992 (). He raced for teams including Racing (March-Cosworth in 1987), (Lola-Chevrolet in 1991), Galles-Kraco Racing, Hall/VDS Racing (Lola-Chevrolet in 1992), and Enterprises (in 1994). In the IRL era, he drove for Petty/Andretti Motorsports (2007) and others. His results highlighted consistent mid-pack performances, with a career total of 0 poles and limited top-5 finishes outside his 1991 season. The following table summarizes Andretti's season-by-season statistics in the IndyCar Series, focusing on starts, wins, top-5 finishes, top-10 finishes, poles, and championship position (points finishes where applicable). Data reflects CART/Champ Car participation unless noted.
YearSeriesStartsWinsTop-5sTop-10sPolesChampionship PositionTeam(s)Notable Chassis/Engine
1987CART5000017thMike Curb RacingMarch 87C-Cosworth
1988CART11000031stCurb RacingLola T88/00-Cosworth
1989CART6000033rdNewman/Haas Racing, othersVarious
1990CART16000010thPorsche North America, Galles-KracoMarch 90P-Porsche
1991CART1712708thNewman/Haas RacingLola T91/00-Chevrolet
1992CART1600608thHall/VDS RacingLola T92/00-Chevrolet
1993CART1001029thVariousLola
1994CART1000028thA.J. Foyt EnterprisesLola T94/00-Chevrolet
2007IndyCar1000035thPetty/Andretti MotorsportsDallara-Honda
2008IndyCar5000030thVision Racing, othersDallara-Honda
2009IndyCar1000037thVision RacingDallara-Honda
2010IndyCar2000032ndDreyer & Reinbold RacingDallara-Honda
2011IndyCar1000042ndPetty/Andretti MotorsportsDallara-Honda
Andretti's sole victory came in 1991 at the Gold Coast IndyCar Grand Prix in Surfers Paradise, , where he led the final four laps to secure the win for . His championship progression showed steady improvement, culminating in back-to-back 8th-place finishes in 1991 and 1992, before a shift to reduced his open-wheel commitments. Andretti made 12 attempts at the across both and IRL eras, with his best finish of 5th in 1991. He debuted in 1988 with Curb Racing, starting 27th and finishing 21st due to engine failure after 114 laps in the No. 98 Skoal Bandit Lola-Cosworth. In 1991, driving the No. 6 Newman/Haas Lola-Chevrolet, he started 7th, led no laps, but finished 5th amid a family-heavy field that included brothers Michael and , as well as uncle Mario. In 1992 with Hall/VDS Racing in the Lola-Chevrolet, he started 14th and finished 8th after 195 laps. His entry with Enterprises in the No. 14 Lola-Chevrolet saw him start 10th and finish 10th after 196 laps (running); this attempt was notable as part of his historic "double duty" day, racing the later that evening. Andretti did not lead laps in any Indy 500 but achieved 4 top-10 finishes overall. In 2007, he returned for the IRL Indy 500, starting 24th in the No. 24 1-800-Las-Vegas.com Dallara-Honda for Petty/Andretti, but finished 30th after 95 laps due to accident. He made additional Indy 500 starts in 2008 (16th), 2009 (19th), 2010 (30th), and 2011 (22nd).

NASCAR results

John Andretti's NASCAR career spanned from 1993 to 2010, during which he competed in the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series, accumulating 436 total starts, 2 wins (both in Cup), 15 top-five finishes, 44 top-ten finishes, 4 poles, and 774 laps led across the series. His performances highlighted versatility in , with his strongest results in the premier Cup Series where he achieved full-season participation in several years and notable victories for prominent teams.

NASCAR Cup Series

Andretti made 393 starts in the over 17 seasons, earning 2 wins, 13 top-five finishes, 37 top-ten finishes, 4 pole positions, and leading 763 laps. His average starting position was 22.5, average finish 25.2, and his best championship points finish was 11th in 1998. Key highlights include securing the pole for the with a speed of 191.469 mph during his historic attempt at "The Double" (racing the and on the same day), as well as victories in the 1997 Pepsi 400 at (driving the No. 43 Richard Petty-owned car) and the 1999 Goody's Headache Powder 500 at (in the No. 98 Ford for ). The following table summarizes his Cup Series career statistics:
StatisticTotal
Starts393
Wins2
Top 513
Top 1037
Poles4
Laps Led763
Average Finish25.2
Best Points Finish11th (1998)
(Source: racing-reference.info)

NASCAR Xfinity Series

In the Xfinity Series (formerly Busch Series), Andretti recorded 37 starts across three seasons (, –2007), with no wins but 1 top-five finish and 4 top-ten finishes. He led just 3 laps, earned no poles, posted an average finish of 21.0, and achieved his best points position of 12th in while running a partial schedule. His top-five came at in , finishing fifth in the No. 14 entry. The following table summarizes his Xfinity Series career statistics:
StatisticTotal
Starts37
Wins0
Top 51
Top 104
Poles0
Laps Led3
Average Finish21.0
Best Points Finish12th (2006)
(Source: racing-reference.info)

NASCAR Truck Series

Andretti's involvement in the Truck Series was limited to 6 starts in 2005 and 2008, yielding no wins but 1 top-five finish (fourth at in 2008) and 3 top-ten finishes overall. He led 8 laps, secured no poles, and had an average finish of 13.7, with his efforts primarily as a part-time driver for teams like Morgan-Dollar Motorsports. The following table summarizes his Truck Series career statistics:
StatisticTotal
Starts6
Wins0
Top 51
Top 103
Poles0
Laps Led8
Average Finish13.7
Best Finish4th (2008, )
(Source: racing-reference.info)

Other racing series results

Andretti's involvement in began in the mid-1980s with the GT Championship, where he competed in the GTP class, accumulating 57 starts over several seasons and achieving multiple victories that highlighted his versatility beyond open-wheel and stock car disciplines. In 1986, he secured a win at , co-driving a BMW 635 CSi to victory in the GT race. His most notable success came in 1989, when he co-drove the No. 6 Miller High Life Porsche 962 to a GTP class victory in the alongside and Derek Bell, finishing second overall after leading laps in a competitive field. That same year, Andretti added another win at the West Palm Beach Grand Prix in the Porsche 962, contributing to his fifth-place finish in the GTP drivers' standings with Busby Racing (112 points). Later, in the , Andretti made three starts between 2001 and 2012, including a class win in 2001. Andretti's international endurance racing extended to the in 1988, where he joined an all-Andretti lineup in the No. 19 Rothsport 962C, co-driving with uncle and cousin . Starting third on the grid, the team endured mechanical challenges but completed 355 laps to finish sixth overall and third in the GTP class. This remained his sole entry and best result in the event. In 1988, Andretti ventured to Australia for the Tooheys 1000 at Mount Panorama Circuit, co-driving the No. 35 Garry Rogers Motorsport Holden Commodore VL with team owner Garry Rogers in the ATCC/HTCC class. The entry showed promise early but ended prematurely when Andretti crashed at Reid Park on lap 30, resulting in a DNF due to accident damage. Andretti's early career roots lay in dirt track racing through the United States Auto Club (USAC) in the 1980s, where he excelled in midget cars before transitioning to higher levels. In 1983, at age 20, he claimed the Indiana USAC Regional Midget championship and the Speedrome Midget series title, winning multiple features at the Indianapolis indoor track. He broke through nationally in 1985 with a USAC National Midget feature win at Paragon Speedway in Indiana, driving for owner Rollie Helmling, and earned USAC National Midget Rookie of the Year honors that season. Andretti also competed in USAC sprint cars during the decade, securing wins on dirt ovals that honed his skills for pavement racing. Among miscellaneous one-off appearances, Andretti tested NHRA dragsters in the late 1990s, reaching speeds near 300 mph but without competitive starts. No verified results were recorded in his career.

References

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