Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of Mario Andretti's racing career. On April 25, 1959; Mario and his brother Aldo entered their first race at Nazareth Speedway in Nazareth, PA; the car was a 1948 Hudson Hornet. Mario lost a coin toss, so Aldo was the driver. The car started last, and handily won the feature. Total prize money for the night was $90.00...Aldo won both the heat and the main. A week later, Mario debuted in the car, and duplicated the results.
Congratulations to Mario for 50 years of excellence in a very demanding field, and for creating a family dynasty that has carried on in that tradition.
Dan
Happy Anniversary, Mario!
Started by
TrackDog
, Apr 25 2009 14:51
9 replies to this topic
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#2
Ross Stonefeld
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Posted 25 April 2009 - 15:14
Wouldn't Mario's 50th be in a week then?
#3
ghinzani
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Posted 25 April 2009 - 15:48
Racing Career today, Racing debut next week then. Whatever "legend" does not even begin to describe Mario, a real superstar. He should be in charge of the FIA(t)!
#4
Direct Drive
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Posted 25 April 2009 - 16:32
Well done, Mario. You're a class act from beginning to end.
#5
COUGAR508
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Posted 25 April 2009 - 16:51
I have been reading and watching some material about Mario in recent days, and my admiration for him, which was already great, has risen appreciably. In many ways the ultimate racing driver.
His narration in the film "The Speed Merchants" is wonderful. His enthusiasm, passion and humour just shine through.
His narration in the film "The Speed Merchants" is wonderful. His enthusiasm, passion and humour just shine through.
#6
Andretti Fan
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Posted 25 April 2009 - 21:38
Originally posted by ghinzani
Racing Career today, Racing debut next week then. Whatever "legend" does not even begin to describe Mario, a real superstar. He should be in charge of the FIA(t)!
Having someone like Mario in charge of the FIA would never work. Imagine someone who actually cared about racing and the fans.
#7
Bob Riebe
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Posted 25 April 2009 - 21:47
Mario drove sprint cars in the day when just getting in one took cajones; he drove and won, Godspeed to him.
#8
Giraffe
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#9
Ross Stonefeld
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Posted 26 April 2009 - 05:01
Originally posted by Andretti Fan
Having someone like Mario in charge of the FIA would never work. Imagine someone who actually cared about racing and the fans.
Dan Gurney would be better for that. He's run teams and even designed a series. I don't know why he isn't higher in the public profile. And graciously he doesn't bang the drum about the abilities of his family members.
#10
Frank S
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Posted 26 April 2009 - 21:00
Dates, shmates!
Mario transcends time.
Thank you, Mario, for a career that enriches us all.
Mario transcends time.
Thank you, Mario, for a career that enriches us all.
