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Former NASCAR, IndyCar driver John Andretti dies at age 56

By Asher Fair

LOUDON, NH - JUNE 27: John Andretti, driver of the #34 Taco Bell Chevrolet, stands in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 27, 2009 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR)
LOUDON, NH - JUNE 27: John Andretti, driver of the #34 Taco Bell Chevrolet, stands in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 27, 2009 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR) /
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Former NASCAR and IndyCar driver John Andretti has passed away at the age of 56 following a long battle with colon cancer.

Following a long battle with colon cancer that began back in April of 2017 when he announced his stage 4 diagnosis, former NASCAR and IndyCar driver John Andretti has passed away.

The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania native was 56 years old. He is survived by wife Nancy and three children: Jarett, Olivia and Amelia.

Upon his diagnosis, Andretti encouraged people to have regular colonoscopies to detect colon cancers in its early stages, something that he regretted not doing. He used the social media campaign #CheckIt4Andretti to spread the word, and that hashtag became associated with cars fielded by the Andretti Autosport IndyCar team.

In November of 2017, he stated that his chemotherapy was over, and then in March of 2018, he stated that his scans were clear. But he later announced that his cancer had returned and spread to other parts of his body.

Andretti Autosport, owned by his cousin Michael, released a statement about his passing.

NASCAR president Steve Phelps stated the following, according to NASCAR.

"“John Andretti embodied the spirit of a champion and inspired an entire fan base through his courageous battle with cancer. He was a fierce competitor throughout his life, and we are saddened by his passing. The entire NASCAR family extends its deepest condolences and prayers to John’s family.”"

Penske Entertainment president and CEO Mark Miles stated the following, according to IndyCar.

"“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. 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.”"

Andretti was the nephew of racing legend Mario Andretti and son of Aldo Andretti, also a former driver. In addition to being the first cousin of IndyCar champion Michael Andretti, he was the first cousin of fellow driver Jeff Andretti.

Active Andretti Autosport IndyCar driver Marco Andretti, Michael’s son and one of the drivers who ran a #CheckIt4Andretti livery, shared a tribute to his first cousin once-removed on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/MarcoAndretti/status/1222975734215532546

Andretti competed in 393 races over the course of 17 seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series. He won at Daytona International Speedway driving for Cale Yarborough Motorsports in July of 1997, and he won at Martinsville Speedway driving for Petty Enterprises in April of 1999.

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He made 15 starts in the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, most recently in 2010, and he finished in a career-high 13th place driving for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in 2004. He also competed in 37 Xfinity Series races and six Truck Series races.

In 13 seasons of American open-wheel racing competition, Andretti competed in 90 races and found victory lane once. He won at Surfers Paradise Street Circuit driving for Hall/VDS Racing in March of 1991.

He made 12 starts in the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, most recently in 2011, and he finished in a career-high fifth place in the race back in 1991 driving for the same team.

He also won races in IMSA GTP and the Rolex Sports Car Series at Watkins Glen International.

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Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends, family and fans of John Andretti and the entire NASCAR and IndyCar communities as they mourn his passing.

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