Childhood and Education Journey of Mario Andretti in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Mario Andretti. From birth to education, explore key events.

Mario Andretti is a highly accomplished American former racing driver, renowned for his success across various racing disciplines. He notably won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 1978 and achieved 12 Grand Prix victories. In American open-wheel racing, he secured four IndyCar National Championship titles and triumphed at the Indianapolis 500 in 1969. His accomplishments extend to stock car racing with a Daytona 500 win in 1967 and endurance racing with three 12 Hours of Sebring victories, solidifying his legacy as one of the most versatile and successful racers in history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

February 28, 1940: Mario Andretti's Birth

On February 28, 1940, Mario Gabriele Andretti was born. He became an American racing driver and businessman.

Others born on this day/year

1947: Treaty of Paris

In 1947, the Treaty of Paris transferred the territory where Andretti's family farm was located to communist-controlled Yugoslavia.

1948: Istrian-Dalmatian Exodus

In 1948, the Andretti family joined the Istrian–Dalmatian exodus, losing their land and possessions.

1948: Refurbishing a 1948 Hudson

The twins used money they made to refurbish a 1948 Hudson, using a stolen beer barrel as a fuel tank. The car was ready to race when the twins were 19 years old.

1954: Attending the Mille Miglia and Italian Grand Prix

In 1954, Mario Andretti and his brother watched the Mille Miglia won by Alberto Ascari. They also visited Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, where Andretti saw Ascari race against Juan Manuel Fangio, being mesmerized by the sound and speed.

1955: Emigration to Pennsylvania

In 1955, Mario Andretti and his family emigrated to Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

1955: Move to the United States

In 1955, the Andretti family moved to the United States after a three-year wait for visas, arriving in New York Harbor on June 16 with just $125 and settling in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

1957: Father's Chevrolet

In 1957, the first car Mario Andretti regularly drove was his father's 1957 Chevrolet, which he and his twin brother upgraded.

1960: Indianapolis 500 dropped off the Formula One calendar

In 1960, the Indianapolis 500 was dropped off the Formula One calendar, but some teams continued racing at Indianapolis.

April 15, 1964: Initial Citizenship Date

In his 1970 biography, Mario Andretti stated that he became a naturalized U.S. citizen on April 15, 1964.

April 7, 1965: Actual Citizenship Date

Mario Andretti later revealed that he actually obtained U.S. citizenship on April 7, 1965.

1967: Al Dean's death

At the end of the 1967 season, DVL owner Al Dean died and his team was wound up. The team's assets were sold to Andretti, who became an owner-driver under the name Andretti Racing Enterprises.

1995: Saved Napa Valley vineyard

In 1995, Mario Andretti and Joe Antonini saved a struggling Napa Valley vineyard, renaming it the Andretti Winery.

1997: Founded Andretti Petroleum

In 1997, Mario Andretti founded Andretti Petroleum, which owns a chain of gasoline stations and car washes in Northern California.

2006: Bullrun Rally Participation

In 2006, Mario Andretti participated in the Bullrun Rally from New York to Los Angeles.

2018: Reflecting on Peterson's death

In 2018, Andretti reflected on the death of Peterson at the Italian Grand Prix in 1978, stating he could never truly celebrate his championship win due to the tragedy.