April 22 is now 'Andretti Day' in Chandler. Racing icon Mario Andretti honored at track
Mario Andretti is one of the icons of motorsports. Only two drivers ever have won races in Formula One, NASCAR, IndyCar and the World Sportscar Championship, and Andretti is one of them.
While he was born in Italy and later immigrated to the United States, Andretti has deep ties to Arizona. Those ties were cemented earlier this week when Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke declared April 22 “Andretti Day” in the city. Andretti was in town to celebrate the recent opening of his go-kart facility, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, located at 1712 S Cooper Road, just south of the Loop 202 freeway.
Hartke read the declaration at the ceremony. The facility offers high-speed karting, virtual reality attractions, arcade games and fun for visitors of all ages. Inside the expansive space adorned with racing memorabilia, you'll find laser tag battles, bowling and even a 7D experience.
Andretti’s ties to Arizona stretch back to 1964 when he raced at Phoenix Speedway after it opened up. His first team in IndyCar was based in Phoenix. Since then, the area has played a key role in his and his family's careers.
In 1993, Andretti won the final race of his career in Phoenix. With the victory, he became the oldest man at 53 years old to win an IndyCar race, after taking advantage of two accidents involving other drivers in the final 38 laps to win the Valvoline 200 in Phoenix.
“That was memorable,” he said.
The first father-son front row (the first and second starting positions for a race) in IndyCar history happened at Phoenix in 1987. His son, Michael, also took home a win in Phoenix.
Andretti has spent a lot of his life in Arizona outside of the season as well. He called Phoenix his “second home” in an interview with NBC Sports in 2018. With the warm climate of the Valley, it has become an ideal venue to race year-round. Tires were tested here in Phoenix.
“Being here so many years, spending an incredible amount of time in the offseason testing because of the atmosphere, the weather,” Andretti said. “We could test right until Christmas basically for the following year. Back in the '60s, it was the beginning of tire development to what it is today. The competition between the two giants, Firestone and Goodyear, there was a lot of work to be done. And there was no better place. If it rains, you’re down. Here, we could go straight for a month. Then the heat factor was also favorable.”
While he has too many trophies to count, including the 1978 Formula One world championship, moments like these aren’t lost on the 84-year-old Andretti.
His legacy extends beyond just him – the Andretti family racing tree is deep. Nephews and grandsons are also professional drivers.
“Pride, so much pride in that,” Andretti said. “To have the rest of the family represented means so much to me to be able to showcase that aspect. I’m over the moon, honestly. I don’t take these things for granted.”
With the new go-kart facility, Andretti’s presence in the state is entrenched. The second location is currently being built in Glendale near State Farm Stadium and Loop 101.
A need for speed: Indoor and outdoor go-kart tracks for all ages in metro Phoenix
As Formula One rises in popularity here in the United States, there’s an opportunity to grow a new generation of fans.
At the moment, Andretti is trying to become the 11th team added to Formula One. The bid was recently rejected by the Formula One Management group, and the process remains ongoing. The Arizona Republic attempted to ask Andretti about the attempt to join Formula One, but Andretti did not take any questions on the subject.
In Europe, it is common for most Formula One drivers to begin their racing careers in karting. That culture hasn’t quite seeped in yet here, but facilities like the Andretti one could be the start. This area was chosen for its specific interest.
“When we were doing our demographic study, we were impressed to find out that seven out of 10 people know who the Andretti’s are,” manager Eddie Hamann said. “More than any state in the country. I think it’s because the sport, especially NASCAR, has always been very strong. If you look at the attendance for both NASCAR and IndyCar here in Arizona, it’s always been stronger than anywhere else.”
Who knows – maybe the next great driver will be skidding around the track in Chandler.
All it takes is a start.
“The opportunity’s here,” Andretti said. “You can come every day. It’s very professional. When you sit there, it’s a marvel of a go-kart. You can adjust everything proper. The challenges are there for you to get better.”
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Motor racing icon Mario Andretti honored in Chandler go-kart center
