Mario Still Turns Heads At Daytona
Written by Scott Keller · February 18, 2005
Most open-wheel drivers get very little respect from the NASCAR drivers, but Mario Andretti still turns heads down at Daytona. He returned to the storied track this week to reunite with other Daytona 500 champions.
Mario Is Still “The Man”
I grew up watching Mario in his twilight years, as his career was winding down. I never go to see him in his best form in the 60’s and 70’s, which means I don’t really understand just *how good* a driver he was at that time. I was watching SPEED TV this week, and they had a segment on former Daytona 500 winners, and his face flashed up on the screen, and I realized that I had forgotten that he had won Daytona before. I thought to myself, “Man, that guy has won everything!”
Over 35 years after his win at Daytona, he can still turn heads in the garage area, according to Jay Hart of the Allentown, PA Morning Call. I bet he can. The only time I saw Mario up close and in person was a time when he was strolling down Gasoline Alley during pole day in 1992. Everyone wanted a chance to see “The Man”.
On Tuesday, Mario was offered the opportunity to take an IROC machine out for a run on the high banks of Daytona. He obliged and managed to turn in some impressive times in only a few laps. It looks like he may have gotten a little older, but he has still got the skills.
Comments
One Response to “Mario Still Turns Heads At Daytona”
Got something to say?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Maybe we should have a match race between Mario, A.J, and Paul Newman. Run the event at Lime Rock Park and I’ll put my money on Newman, even at age 80!