While VeloceToday and Jim Sitz have been concentrating on remembering Phil Hill’s Championship year, we should not be neglecting America’s other Formula 1 World Champion, Mario Andretti.* (Read Who’s the Greatest, Andretti or Hill.) Andretti is renowned as perhaps the most versatile racer of all time, he was named “Driver of the Century” by the Associated Press in 2000, and is one of only two drivers to have won races in Formula 1, IndyCar, the World Sportscar Championship, and NASCAR. Luckily, Jonathan Sharp ran into Andretti at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, July 8-11. Take it from here, Jon!
Story and photos Jonathan Sharp
I have been ever so luck over the years to be able to grab shots of many a great driver, both ancient and modern; dear old Sir Stirling and Il Grande John Surtees, Sir Jackie and Derek Bell. But when I read in the press releases that Mario Andretti was to be honoured at this year’s Festival I did feel a certain buzz of excitement and anticipation.