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Michael Andretti

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Michael Andretti is a famous American racing driver and team owner.

MichaelAndretti
MichaelAndretti

He is known for being one of the most successful drivers in open-wheel car racing. During the CART era, he won 42 different races. This total is the most in that era and the fifth-most of all time. In 1991, he became the champion of the CART PPG Indy Car World Series. He won eight races and eight poles that year. He also led more than half of the laps during that season.

1986 March 86C Indy Car
1986 March 86C Indy Car

Racing is a huge part of the Andretti family history. Michael was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1962. His father, Mario Andretti, was a famous four-time IndyCar champion.

1989Porsche962MarioAndrettiMichaelAndrettiMillerHighLife
1989Porsche962MarioAndrettiMichaelAndrettiMillerHighLife

Michael and Mario even raced together as teammates. They were the first father and son to start a race in the same front row. They also shared 15 podium finishes together. The family is very successful in the sport. Five members of the family have competed in the same racing series. This includes Michael, Mario, his son Marco, his brother Jeff, and his cousin John.

Michael worked very hard to reach the top levels of racing. He started by winning many races in karts over eight years. Later, he moved into cars and won the Super Vee championship in 1982. He also won the Formula Mondial North American Cup. He even tried racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1982, he and his father tried to race a Mirage M12. However, the car was disqualified just eighty minutes before the start. They returned the next year and finished in third place.

962 Andrettis
962 Andrettis

Some parts of racing were very hard for Michael. At the Indianapolis 500, he had a lot of bad luck. People sometimes call this the "Andretti curse." He holds the record for leading the most laps without winning that specific race. In 1992, he led almost the whole race. However, his fuel pump failed with only 11 laps left. He also tried racing in Formula One in 1993. He drove for the McLaren team with Ayrton Senna. New rules made it hard to practice on tracks he did not know. He also had some difficult crashes during that time.

Andretti 1993 European GP
Andretti 1993 European GP

Today, Michael stays involved in racing as a leader. He owns a team called Andretti Autosport. His team has been very successful since he retired from driving. They have won four IndyCar Series championships. They have also won five Indianapolis 500 races. He continues to be a big part of the racing world.

Michael Andretti at Carb Day 2015 at the Indianapolis 500 - Sarah Stierch 2
Michael Andretti at Carb Day 2015 at the Indianapolis 500 - Sarah Stierch 2
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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:1986 March 86C Indy Car.JPG
1986 March 86C Indy Car.JPG
File:962 Andrettis.jpg
962 Andrettis.jpg
File:1989Porsche962MarioAndrettiMichaelAndrettiMillerHighLife.jpg
1989Porsche962MarioAndrettiMichaelAndretti...
File:MichaelAndretti.jpg
MichaelAndretti.jpg
File:Andretti 1993 European GP.jpg
Andretti 1993 European GP.jpg
File:MichaelAndretti2007Indy500Practice.jpg
MichaelAndretti2007Indy500Practice.jpg
File:Michael Andretti at Carb Day 2015 at the Indianapolis 500 - Sarah Stierch 2.jpg
Michael Andretti at Carb Day 2015 at the...
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