John Andretti

By Allyson Turner

The name Andretti has held a prominent place in racing for many years thanks largely to former Indianapolis 500 winner Mario and his son, Michael. In recent years, John Andretti, son of Mario's twin brother Aldo, has been doing his part to extend the family's racing lineage.

Having started his racing career at age 9 in go-karts, John Andretti earned his first Winston Cup victory at the 1997 Pepsi 400 at Daytona. He also was the 1991 IndyCar Winner at Surfer's Paradise in Australia, and the 1989 Winner of 24 Hours of Daytona in IMSA.

Andretti, whose godfather is racing legend A.J. Foyt, is nicknamed "Mr. Versatility" for his ability to win in three different motorsports series. In '94, he became the first driver to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in the same day. Andretti drove 11 races for Richard Petty in '94 but failed to post a top-10 finish. After driving for Cale Yarborough in '97, Andretti returned to Petty's STP Pontiac team in 1998 and finished 11th in the Winston Cup Series, earning more than $1 million.

 

John Andretti's earnings in '97 nearly matched those from the previous four seasons combined. (Allsport)

What is your pet peeve(s)?
People that don't know how to drive.

What happens when you get pulled over for speeding?
I'd say, 'Don't you know who my uncle is?' An officer pulled me over once and said, 'I'm a big racing fan and I'm Italian, so what would you do if you were me?' and I said, 'I'd let you off.' He did.

Which driver, past or present, do you most admire? Why?
I have great admiration for my family. If I stretch out of my family I would go to A.J. Foyt, who is my godfather and of course, 'The King,' Richard Petty. I always had a great admiration for Rick Mears, for his comeback and he's such an incredible person off the race track. The person that I admire whom I never had the chance to meet was Ayrton Senna.

Which track gives you the most trouble?
Probably Bristol because it gives everybody trouble. And at Bristol their trouble is your trouble.

If your car hit a parked car and you're sure no one saw you, what would you do?
Back up and hit it harder. You said no one saw me. No really, I don't hit cars unless it's on the race track.

What was the greatest moment for you on the track?
Anytime I pass somebody, and obviously, when I'm leading the race.

What happens when your wife drives?
She pulls over so I can get in the driver's seat and drive.

If I were to push "play" on your CD player, what would be playing?
AC/DC Back in Black.

What's your choice of vehicle off the track?
A Pontiac Grand Prix, of course.

What are you intimidated by?
Great white sharks.

If you could have anyone over your house for dinner, whom would you invite?
Albert Einstein. Since we have the Einstein list on our race team I'd like to meet the guy it was named after.

What makes you nauseous?
Picking up dog poo or changing a diaper.

What do you do if you have to go to the bathroom while your racing?
For No.1, I tried it once and it doesn't work. I have to relax and concentrate. I can concentrate in the car but not on that.

Can you drive 55 mph on the highway?
I try to be with the flow of traffic. I don't pay much attention to my speedometer.

Name one of your superstitions.
None. I'm too religious to be superstitious.

What is a perfect day?
Get out of bed and I don't fall in the shower. See my kids and they say 'See you in the winner's circle' and then I see them in the winner's circle. And everyone in my family is healthy.

What was the best piece of advice you received and who was it from?
My dad is always giving me great advice. My wife does too. Sometimes you get too close to the situation and those two people have made me a better person and made me understand things better. Their advice goes beyond one piece -- it's a whole lifetime of growth that I've had with them.

What is one word or phrase that you live by?
To me, everything that's in front of you can be changed, but anything behind you can't. So remember the things you've done wrong in the past and don't dwell on them, and build for the future.