Michael Andretti to be on ‘Celebrity Apprentice’
Michael Andretti has signed on to be one of the contestants on Donald Trump's 'Celebrity Apprentice' this spring on NBC.
Andretti, the son of Mario Andretti, is a former IndyCar driver and owner of Andretti Autosport in the Izod IndyCar Series. He won 42 races in CART and Champ Car.
Last year, Andretti Autosport fielded four cars in the IndyCar Series for Danica Patrick, Mike Conway, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Marco Andretti, Michael's son. Patrick's now in NASCAR full-time and Conway is with AJ Foyt, so as of now, Andretti Autosport is set to only field two cars.
Michael said that Marco was to be on the show, but passed after Dan Wheldon died October 16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Wheldon reportedly had agreed to a deal with Andretti Autosport to drive a GoDaddy sponsored car shortly before his death.
While Andretti's appearance on the show may seem a little odd on the surface, it may be a great move for sponsorship exposure. If Andretti can stay on the show for a prolonged period -- and not throw any crazy temper tantrums as some on the show are wont to do -- he could attract a sponsor who wouldn't have normally thought to invest in the IndyCar Series.
Will it pay off as the IndyCar moves into its Danica-less era with a new car? We'll find out. 'Celebrity Apprentice' premieres February 12.
