INDIANAPOLIS — Race car driver John Andretti has died.
Andretti, who lived in Brownsburg and was 56, battled colon cancer for the last three years.
His death was confirmed Thursday by Andretti Autosport.
Statement on the passing of John Andretti #CheckItForAndretti pic.twitter.com/ku3gX2neOq
— Andretti Autosport (@FollowAndretti) January 30, 2020
Andretti competed in many levels of racing, including 393 NASCAR races over 17 years.
He was in the Brickyard 400 11 times and the Indianapolis 500 12 times between 1988 and 2011.
His best finish in the 500 was 5th in the 1991 race.
John Andretti was a member of a storied racing family. He was the nephew of 1969 Indy winner Mario Andretti. Michael and Jeff Andretti were cousins. His father, Aldo Andretti, is the twin brother of Mario.
Penske Entertainment Corporation president and CEO Mark Miles issued a statement honoring Andretti on behalf of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"John Andretti's skills behind the wheel of any kind of race car were admired by his millions of fans around the world, and he always returned that loyalty and kindness to become one of the most popular drivers of his generation," Miles said. "But John's true mission was helping others, whether through his countless hours of charity work, especially with Riley Children's Hospital here in Indianapolis, or by the colon screening campaign he started in April 2017 after he was diagnosed with cancer.
"John's positive attitude and selflessness throughout his brave fight inspired all of us and will be a legacy that will continue forever. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Nancy, their three children and the entire Andretti family."
Long active in many community causes, Andretti was involved for years in raising funds for Riley Hospital for Children.
Andretti attended St. Malachy School in Brownsburg and Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis, just a few miles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He graduate from Moravian College in Pennsylvania.
Andretti is survived by his wife Nancy and children Jarett, Olivia and Amelia.
It’s not often that a person’s on-track prowess is overshadowed by their incredible personality. But that was John Andretti. His compassion for others was second to none, and our thoughts are with the Andretti family. Godspeed, John.
#CheckIt4Andretti pic.twitter.com/jYd6bi4EeW
— NTT IndyCar Series (@IndyCar) January 30, 2020
Sad news today, we lost another great soul to cancer. Rest In Peace John Andretti. Always brought a smile to my face anytime I was around him. What a great driver, competitor, mentor, dad, husband & friend. #checkit4andtetti
— Ryan Hunter-Reay (@RyanHunterReay) January 30, 2020
There wasn’t a better soul in racing than John Andretti. A man who won in everything he drove, ever category that he competed in. I spent my #Indy500 rookie year media day with John, and the impression he made on me on that day will last a lifetime. RIP John, you’ll be missed. 🙏🏼
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) January 30, 2020
God Speed John Andretti. My heart is heavy with overwhelming sadness. I know his last name was Andretti, but for our family it was always Petty. All my thoughts, prayers and love go out to the entire Andretti Family
— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) January 30, 2020
Godspeed John Andretti. My first IndyCar teammate. A true racer and great human. I am heartbroken for Nancy, Jarett, Olivia, Amelia, and the entire Andretti family. I will miss your sense of humor the most. Please #checkitforAndretti https://t.co/t7mXYnbaqk
— Bryan Herta (@BryanHerta) January 30, 2020
Sad news about John Andretti. Racing against him was always tough because you knew he was smiling in his helmet while he was driving. John inspired me to do “The Double.” RIP
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) January 30, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of John Andretti and the entire racing community. John was no stranger to Victory Lane at DAYTONA having won the '89 Rolex 24 as well as the '97 Coke Zero Sugar 400, the final 400 before it moved under the lights. Godspeed John. pic.twitter.com/sz6ifjRcda
— Daytona International Speedway (@DISupdates) January 30, 2020
Our hearts are with the Andretti family and the motorsports community today as we mourn the loss of John Andretti. We will remember fondly his time in NHRA drag racing and celebrate the numerous contributions he made to the racing industry. pic.twitter.com/1pZa7wvqqP
— #NHRA (@NHRA) January 30, 2020
It’s difficult for someone with the racing pedigree of @John_Andretti to be remembered first for things away from the track.
But, his legacy will be his kind spirit, warm smile, & tireless work in raising millions for @RileyChildrens hospital.
God speed to an Indy treasure.
— Jake Query (@jakequery) January 30, 2020
