Copyright Newsweek
Marco Andretti announced his retirement from racing earlier this week after a 30-year career in motorsports. The 38-year-old driver confirmed he has decided to step away from the race track to focus on his family. Andretti followed in the footsteps of his father, Michael Andretti, and grandfather, Mario Andretti. Over his 30-year career he raced in IndyCar for 19 years, securing two race wins, 20 podium finishes and six pole positions. In addition to his time in the single-seater series, he had stints in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, and Formula E, among others. "To my family, friends, teams, sponsors, and fans who have genuinely supported me for the last 30 years in motorsports, I want to thank you for allowing me the privilege to continue our family’s passion on the racetrack. I have had some really fun times behind the wheel in a lot of different types of racing cars — a lot of great memories as well, mostly at the Indy 500," Andretti wrote on social media. "Today, I am announcing my retirement from motor racing and the Indianapolis 500. That totals 20 starts at the Speedway, which I feel so fortunate to be able to say. That is ranked 12th all-time. Not bad for a 38-year-old. "I am proud of my overall stats at the Indy 500. I had six very legitimate shots at victory with Andretti Autosport and ended up with 20% top-3 finishes at the Speedway. It feels accomplishing to me to be able to retire having more podium finishes than my father Michael and the same as my grandfather Mario at the biggest race in the world. "I will never forget the rare circumstance of getting to race my dad in the closing laps for the win there — the pressure of participating in a dramatic Bump Day in 2011 to a pole position in 2020. That is what the Indianapolis 500 produces: extremes on both ends. That is why I love and appreciate it so much. "I am very much at peace with the next chapter in my life after dedicating three decades to the sport. I will be prioritizing most of my time on being a great father to my daughter, Miura, and tending to my other business ventures." Andretti teased one of his next business ventures with a memoir titled 'Defending the Dynasty'. "I am also coming out with a memoir about my life called 'Defending the Dynasty.' Details coming soon on that," he continued. "2006–2025: Competing at the top level of North American motorsport is and has been an honor for me, even in the tough times. That is where I can look back and say I have made my best progress in life as a man. Learning to navigate very difficult dynamics at times, and others doubting me, made me realize that my opinion of myself is the one that should matter the most. "Lastly, a special thank-you to a lot of the people I respect in motor racing for the kind words about my driving, work ethic, and true character."
