Mario Andretti chat transcript

Room: Daytona Champions
Date: 09/19/2007
Start Time: 11:50
Stop Time: 13:30

mario andretti: Welcome to our chat series. Mario Andretti will be with us momentarily, in the meantime please feel freee to start asking your questions.

Twiggs: On track, what are the differences between NASCAR and open-wheeled racing, and knowing those differences, how did they help you win the Daytona 500?

mario andretti: The differences are the totally different styles of car - the technique of open wheel and stock car is very different but every race driver that has opportunity of drifing both is looking for the characteristics of the car are different. The drafting becomes more meaningful. Experience is what teaches you how to deal with that. It was a steap learning curve for me - I never had an opportunity to test. It was just practice time, I just used every bit of experience I gathered in open wheeled racing

shonski: Compare winning the Daytona 500 to the Indianapolis 500

mario andretti: the standpoint of the 2 events being classics, and I as an openwheel racer won indy - won from a worldwide standpoint a more popular event, - more adventageous to win indy - but Daytona is the biggest stock car racing - but in the series back in 1967 - bigger event than it is today - more prestigious - but even today - it's the jewel of cup season - but many events that rival daytona - But to put these trophies on my mantle is more than I could hope for.

westy: What is your proudest moment as a racer?

mario andretti: I have had many moments in my career that were wonderful. From being the youngest driver to win my first national championsip, winning the world championship - winning any championship - daytona, indy, sebring - those are the proudest moments of my career and I have been blessed with many - not sure I can pick just one.

Twiggs: Looking back, do you wish you had spent a whole season in NASCAR like Juan Pablo?

mario andretti: Not really - I enjoyed my short stint with stock cars in NASCAR and USAC - but it was never my intention to make that my full season - I loved open wheel and enjoyed that alot more.

LRock: what do see as the main motive of a F1 driver coming to
NASCAR Cup -- experience, competition, money or something else?

mario andretti:I think it's a very personal thing - can't answer it in general - it could be all of the things that you just mentioned - if you feel that you are accomplished - and you satisfied your goals.
I am sure financials have a lot to do with it, but I think it's more of a personal thing.

Spurrier: Did you know you were going to be menioned in an Amy Grant song before it came out or did you happen to hear it on the radio?

mario andretti: I just happened to hear it on the radio - there are several others I am in and they were the same way - Jackson had one back in the 70's driving to a race heard it and almost fell out of the seat hearing it -- even some of the rappers - not all of it complimentary.

Kim: What do you think of Nascar going to Montreal

mario andretti: I think it's a way to showcase yourself in canadian market - not sure about showcase NASCAR on roadcourse - but it's a decision they have to make - but the response of the fans will be the ones to dictate support or not.

speedracer52: Of all the different circuits you raced for, which one did you enjoy the most?
mario andretti: As far as Hype - whereever I won. The fact that you win means everything is working for you and having a great time and great day and that's where you are fondest at.

wardfan: As an open wheeler, when you came do drive stock cars, did you experience any backlash or negativty from nascar drivers?

mario andretti: Absolutely not - as drivers - there is a commaradre there - and I think I was respected there - and I respected them. Ifelt at home and there was no negative backlash at all

J.J.: In terms of competitiveness, versatility and spirit, who today reminds you the most of Mario Andretti?

mario andretti: Probably the likes of tony stewart in the sense very passionate - loves driving anything. And the one that really just loves to drive like I did is Kenny Schrader - just wants to be in a race car.

slick nick: Mario. I also drive the #11. Do you have any advice for a driver who is just getting his feet wet? This is my 3rd year behind the wheel.

mario andretti: Eric Daly has just written a book about this coming out in January - I did the forward - I was very impressed with the details. My best advice is to pick up that book and it may answer alot of the questions you may have.

FST: Given all your efforts to rejoin IRL and Champ Car, what is your feeling today as we look forward to 2008?

mario andretti: my feeling is still have a hope that something is going to happen that the 2 sides can join. That is what open wheel racing needs, as to satisfy race fans - have strong discipline as nascar, I just keep hoping.

Tpance: How do you feel about drivers jumping to NASCAR from the IRL? Do you think it will hurt IRL?

mario andretti: When you have name drivers jumping from 1 category to the other - especially if they are champions - is the category that loses - when you lose big names its a loss anyway you look at it

bratch07: What has it been like to watch Michael and Marco race?

mario andretti: I think there is a lot of pride that goes with that - watching my sons, nephew - and now grandson marco - just love to see the smile on their face when they win races. Just love to watch them do their thing and enjoy it.

RaceGirl: Have you ever considered fielding a team for the Rolex 24 Hr at Daytona?

mario andretti: no I am not in the business part of fielding a team. Has not been part of my plans. Still the driving interests me. Unless it involves my son and grandson - the 3 generations - but to own a team I have no interest

westy: Is it watching Michael as a car owner that caused you to have no interest in being a car owner?

mario andretti: No - from my standpoint - I nevery had those ambitions, I think Michael looked at the business side of it - and he just loves that side of it - I don't particularly have that. I can't say I wouldn't but again just never had that ambition -my ambition was just being a driver

PlillyFan: Are you planning any race appearances in the short term future

mario andretti: That comes and goes - usually if I go to a race - it has more of a purpose than just being as a fan - to just watch as a fan doesn't do it for me...but if I have any business reason to be there, or special races like to watch marco - otherwise just if I have a business reason to go.

bratch07: i recently took up wine tasting - i know you are in the business ...do you have a recommendation??

mario andretti: Follow your tastebuds - there are many great wines out there - you be the judge - don't expect anyone to tell you - you what tastes good - just trust your tastebuds

RaceGirl: Outside of your own win at Daytona, what is your most memorable Daytona 500 moment?

mario andretti: there is no other moment that could beat that - my greatest moment was crossing that finish line at daytona 500

Max: Given Danica's success in the sport, do you think there will be more drivers in the future?

mario andretti: I think It is an encouragement because it shows that a female can be very competitive in the support and other females have tried and have mediocre success. Danica has had the most success - and when she becomes a winner it will spark more interest - the fact that she has done as well as she has it is a plus especially for the sport and encourage other females

LostaLugNut: What was it like for you and the other D500 champs to return to Daytona in the summer?

mario andretti: It was awesome to have the opportunity to visit with and there was some hidden emotions there that I felt -- it was a really great day

Winger: Do you ever foresee the Daytona 500 becoming more popular than the Super Bowl or World Series?

mario andretti: As a racer I would love to see that of course and I think it's possible, it's well along the way of having that type of attraction, but again as a racer i would love to see that

Burning Rubber: What is your favorite place to visit in Daytona?

mario andretti: I'm not up to date on alot of things - always just in and out there are several restaurants I enjoy but my favorite place is the racetrack

Ninja Warrior: Who do you think will go down in history as the best NASCAR driver of all time

mario andretti: I think if you look at the record it would be tough to overcome Richard Petty's record - you have to look at those numbers and the longevity - and I suspect he will remain the king of NASCAR

racingwin: how does Daytona compare against other race track cities?

mario andretti: It's very favorable in every way - it's a great place to be even for people traveling - february is very desirable for race weather, and have the beaches - so I would say daytona - no question.

RaceGirl: You've been involved with driver development for some time now. What advice do you pass on to aspiring drivers, and do you encourage starting in either open wheel or stockcar racing?

mario andretti: there are fundamentals to take into consideration to embark in the series - there isn't a one sentence answer to this, therefore, I go back to the Derek Daly book again - this book gives you a pretty good idea of all of that

Mike: how does the racing experience (fans, tracks) vary by country and denomination, ie NASCAR vs. F1

mario andretti: Seems like I have traveled the world racing, and there were different languages spoken and different currencies, but when it comes to racing it seems like the fans spoke the same language – they were always great - there is one common aspect where ever you go - and it's a great experience

moondoggiereturns: What was it like to be named the AP's Driver of the Century?

mario andretti: One of the greatest thrills I could have ever experienced - it's the ultimate compliment paid to me as a driver - cannot even begin to express that. It was fantastic

PlillyFan: We need to get you as a Grand Marshall sometime

mario andretti: that sounds good

mario andretti: I appreciate the opportunity of chatting with you all and thank you for the questions. Look forward to seeing you at the race.