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International Recognition
Distinguished Awards & Honors
2019

Mario was welcomed into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame on January 19, 2019. Mario began his open wheel racing career with the American Three-Quarter Midget Racing Association in 1961. He scored his first of four ATQMR wins with a 100-lap race win at Teaneck, New Jersey in 1962. In 1963, Mario graduated to full-size midgets. On Labor Day 1963, at age 23, Mario accomplished the near-impossible as he won three midget features in one day in a single car at two different tracks. From that day on, Mario was bound for superstardom. As a driver who started his illustrious open-wheel career in midgets, he proudly accepted his induction in the Hall of Fame.

2017

Mario was one of 33 Formula One World Champions inducted into the FIA Hall of Fame in Paris on December 4. The inaugural induction ceremony had nine World Champions in attendance, all gathered in the library of the historic headquarters of the Automobile Club de France, where Formula One's regulations were first drafted in the 1940s. From Giuseppe Farina in 1950 to Lewis Hamilton in 2017, there were 33 world champions crowned. It was a glittering ceremony for the Hall of Fame class of 2017 and a special privilege to be the first honored by the new Hall. The inauguration also saw the launch of the FIA Hall of Fame website, where

the achievements of those inducted will be celebrated.

Mario was the recipient of the prestigious 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award at the fourth annual Clio Sports Awards ceremony in New York on May 16. The esteemed international award competition was launched to celebrate high achievement in sport advertising and marketing. The Clio team looks at work from around the world to identify creativity that moves consumers and makes icons of brands. Mario was honored for pushing boundaries and paving the way for new talent, inspiring and showing the next generation of drivers how excellence and endurance in his work, as well as loyalty to the brands he endorses, makes for a storied career, and exemplifies the Clio mission of fostering talent, groundbreaking work and creativity.

On May 20, Mario was inducted into the Lehigh Valley Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2017. The Lehigh Valley is where Mario has made his home since 1955. The inductees include former high school, college, recreational, semi-pro and professional athletes, coaches and others who were among the very best in their sport from the Lehigh Valley over the past 50 years.

Mario was honored by the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) on August 31 with the 2017 Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for outstanding contributions to motorsports. This is the 4th annual award and was held at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. Previous honorees were Chip Ganassi, Richard Petty and Roger Penske. On the same day, the Mayor of Watkins Glen, New York proclaimed August 31, 2017 as Mario Andretti Day and granted him honorary citizenshp.

2016

City of Lucca, Italy names Mario an honorary citizen at ceremony on January 9. It is a coveted recognition that is given sparingly to a native Italian of good character who represents the city with pride anywhere in the world. Mario was honored by other local and regional organizations during his visit to the town where he lived for 7-1/2 years as a refugee with his family after World War II.

2015

At its annual awards night, the Italian weekly magazine Autosprint presents "golden helmets" to champion race drivers participating in the top categories of motorsport. On December 15, Mario accepted a special "golden helmet legend", as a reward for a career not capable of being imitated. Referring to his World F1 championship and all of his US victories, but in particular the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500.... Autosprint called Mario "the hero of two worlds". The prize giving took place at the Pirelli headquarters in Milan in a theater style room, a setting and presentation which could be compared to the Oscars of motorsports.

On December 14, The Scuderia Ferrari Club of Italy staged an unforgettable night in Mario's honor. Upon Mario's arrival to the location, the Salone dei Cavalieri of the Bolognini castle, an hour’s drive from Milan, he was greeted with a magnificent display of ceremonial grandeur, the sort commonly seen at coronations. The pomp and circumstance led to a splendid celebration, wonderful dinner and the SFC presenting Mario with the "Cavellino d'Oro" (Golden Horse) for his legendary career.

In April Mario was welcomed into the 2015 class of the Superman Hall of Heroes. Inspired by the global icon, Superman, this Hall pays tribute to people who have made a positive

impact on the lives of others. It celebrates public servants from all walks of life who set a positive example.

Mario received the Grand Award of Merit from the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit on February 19 at a gala in New York, held to celebrate Italian heritage and recognize Italian excellence across the globe. The Grand Award of Merit is given to the most accomplished and influential leaders in their fields.

The City of Indianapolis presented Mario with its Tourism Leadership Award for his role in helping showcase Indianapolis as a vibrant city both domestically and internationally. The award was presented January 22 at the Visit Indy annual meeting in front of some 1000 people who have businesses in Indianapolis. Visit Indy, formerly the Convention & Visitors Association, has been promoting the city since 1923. As Mario received his award, the Mayor declared January 22, 2015 as Mario Andretti Day in Indianapolis.

2014

Mario is one of ten honorees featured in the book PrimiDieci 2014. It is a book published every year by the Italian cultural organization PrimiDieci Society and celebrates Italians whose singular accomplishments have distinguished them in the most varied sectors of American life. Each edition of the book features ten Italians in the United States. It is an exemplary way to acknowledge the affection felt toward Italy and also the prestige that the values and the qualities associated with Italy have attained, thanks to the successful efforts and activities of many like the ten whose extraordinary stories are recounted in the pages of PrimiDieci.

2011

GQ Magazine names Mario one of "The 25 Coolest Athletes of All Time" (Feb. 2011 issue)

Awarded the Premio Internazionale Giorno Del Ricordo in Rome in recognition of outstanding contribution to sport

Inducted by Watkins Glen International as one of the "Legends of the Glen." The upstate New York road course was the site of Mario's first pole position in his very first Formula 1 race on his first trip to the track.

2010

Mario is inducted into the inaugural class of MotorSport magazine's Motor Sport Hall of Fame in London. The Hall celebrates the greatest names in racing across Formula 1, motorcycling, sports cars, and other disciplines. Founding members announced were Jim Clark, Juan Manuel Fangio, Enzo Ferrari, Sir Stirling Moss, Tazio Nuvolare, Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Sir Jackie Stewart. Fellow inductees included Tony Brooks, Ron Dennis, and Jacky Ickx.

Received Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lido Civic Club of Washington, DC. The Club brings together local Italian American businessmen to enjoy their shared business interests and their Italian American culture, while volunteering in various philanthropic activities.

IndyCar Series names Road Course Championhip trophy after Mario. The Mario Andretti Road Course Championship trophy is to be presented annually to the driver with the most points through road/street course events on the schedule.

2008

Library of Congress in Washington DC adds Mario to its Living Legends list. The Library is the world's preeminent reservoir of knowledge, providing unparalleled resources to Congress and the American people. The Living Legend award honors artists, writers, activists, filmmakers, physicians, entertainers, sports figures and public servants who have made significant contributions to America's diverse cultural, scientific and social heritage.

Mario is named Sindaco del Libero Comune di Montona in Esilio which translates to "Mayor of the Free Municipality of Montona in Exile." Montona, Italy is his birthplace. He traveled back to Italy with his family in October 2008 for this special ceremony.

2007

Mario is awarded the FIA Gold Medal for Motor Sport at a gala ceremony at the Monaco Sporting Club, in the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco. The FIA Gold Medal is awarded to an individual that, either through exceptional success, or outstanding effort, has made a substantial

contribution to motor racing. The recipient is selected by the FIA Academy, which is made up of eight senior members of the FIA and its national automobile clubs. The FIA is the governing body of international motor sport.

Received the Vince Lombardi Award of Excellence at a dinner event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made a "Hall of Fame" contribution to a sport, profession, or business in a manner that exemplifies appreciation of God, country, society, family and self. The award was presented to Mario by Bart Starr.

2006

The White House selected Mario to be part of the US delegation at the closing ceremonies of the XX Winter Olympics in Torino (Feb. 26, 2006). He was joined by Rudy Giuliani, Ronald Spogli the US ambassador to Italy, and Dr. A. Kenneth Ciongoli, chairman of the National Italian American Foundation.

In October 2006 Mario received the title of Commendatore from the Republic of Italy. His knighthood was the result not only of his spectacular racing career, but also his epic life story as a classic example of the immigrant made good in America.

A trophy called The Mario Andretti Trophy is presented for the first time by SPEED. It is now presented annually to a racer who puts a premium on wining races, shines on motor sports' biggest stages and does it all with a measure of sportsmanship and class. The trophy itself, a true work of art created by bronze sculptor Elie Hazak, stands 38 inches tall and weighs 95 pounds. It features eight cars, including six of the most important in Mario's rise to superstardom, as well as an array of artistic symbolism that captures the essence of the trophy's namesake.

Received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Italian American Foundation East Coast Gala.

2005

Voted to International Race of Champions (IROC) All-Time Legends Team

2004

Mario is Grand Marshal of New York City's Columbus Day Parade, the largest celebration of Italian and Italian-American heritage in the world. To coincide with this honor, Mario's career was chronicled in an exhibit of race cars, photos and video for 5 days (Oct. 4-8) in Grand Central Terminal on Park Avenue. A temporary theater was installed to show a continuously run 10-minute video of Mario's career.

2002

Mario is named one of "Top 300 Italians in America" by Primo magazine

2000

Presented with National Education & Leadership Award by Sons of Italy Foundation in Washington, DC at May 25th gala.

RACER magazine names Mario the "American Driver of the Century" (January 2000 issue)

Mario was honored with a rare living postal tribute by two nations: St. Vincent and Sierra Leone. Each country released a sheet of eight different postage stamps featuring images of Mario's greatest moments in racing. Although most nations including the US and Italy cannot honor living subjects on stamps, these two countries made a rare exception for a world renown living legend. The "first day of issue" ceremony took place May 26, 2000.

1999

Mario is named "Driver of the Century" by the Associated Press, tying with AJ Foyt for this title (December 10, 1999)

Mario received the "Inspirational Figure for our Children Award" from The Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, Florida at their 32nd annual Champions & Heroes dinner. The person chosen for this honor must be someone children can respect and admire, someone they want to emulate, someone who has acted as a mentor to others.

Received "Lifetime Achievement in Sports" award from the Coalition of Italo-American Associations.

1998

Received Gold Medal Award from Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters for contributions to state and nation.

1997

Received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales in Pennsylvania at May 17th commencement

Received "National Father of the Year" award from National Father's Day Committee in New York

1996

Named PPG Colorful Character by PPG Industries, Inc.

1995

Received honorary Doctor of Science degree from the New England Institute of Technology at May 7th commencement in Providence, Rhode Island

Received "America's Finest" award from New England Tech

Received "Miller Nice Guy Award" at Red Smith Sports Awards Banquet in Appleton, Wisconsin

Received American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association's "Rick Mears Award"

Received Special Achievement Award from Philadelphia Sports Writers Association

Received "The Louis Meyer Award" from the Indianapolis 500 Oldtimers Club

1994

Received "Chris Economaki Award" for lifetime achievement, from the Driver of the Year Foundation

Turn 2 at Laguna Seca Raceway is renamed "Andretti Hairpin" in honor of Mario

Turn 1 of the Belle Isle track in Detroit named "Mario Andretti Turn"

Received Certificate of Special

Congressional Recognition for outstanding contribution to the world of race car driving

1993

Mario becomes oldest race winner in IndyCar history with his victory at Phoenix (53 years, 34 days)

1992

Received "Five Decades of Achievement" award at the Cleveland Grand Prix

Named "Driver of the Quarter Century" by vote of past Drivers of the Year and a panel of 12 journalists.

1991

Received "Ambassador of Motorsports Award" from Cleveland 500 Foundation.

Named Gala Italia "Man of the Year". Gala Italia has been promoting the best of Italy in the United States for more than a quarter of a century.

Received ARETE Lifetime Achievement Award for courage in sports

1990

Honored as "King of the Road" by Colden Center for the Performing Arts, Queens College, New York

Received Autosport Magazine "Gregor Grant Award" for lifetime achievement in motor sport. Presented annually at the Autosport Awards in London.

Received Lifetime Achievement Award from Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame

1989

Named ABC Wide World of Sports "Athlete of the Week" (April 29, 1989)

Received Molson Indy Achievement Award

1986

Mario was commissioned a "Kentucky Colonel" on June 12, 1986 by Governor Martha Layne Collins. Kentucky colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Commissions for Kentucky colonels are given by the Governor and the Secretary of State to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation. The Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky bestows the honor of a colonel's Commission, by issuance of a published written order.

1985

Mario receives Patrick Jacquemart Trophy, presented by Renault USA

1984

Mario wins his fourth Indy Car National Championship (CART) (1965, 1966, 1969, 1984)

"Admiration and Appreciation Award" from the men & women of Tactical Air Command, presented to Mario by General W. L. Creech at the TAC Commanders Conference. General Creech was a four-star general who, as a combat pilot, flew 280 missions and was decorated 39 times, including 22 awards for bravery in combat. He flew more than 40 types of aircraft including fighter, reconnaissance and cargo planes. As head of Tactical Air Command, Creech oversaw the development

of the A-10s, F-15s, F-16s, the F-15E night fighter, and the Stealth fighter.

"Driver of the Year" sponsored by Eljer

Victor Award (City of Hope Driver of the Year)

Auto Racing Digest "Driver of the Year"

MotorWeek Illustrated "Racer of the Year"

Eastern Motorsports Press Association "Driver of the Year"

Named "Driver of the Year" by Hoosier Auto Racing Fans (HARF)

Mario receives the "Jerry Titus Memorial Award", which is the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) "Driver of the Year" award.

1982

Valvoline Oil Company presented Mario with an award for his "contributions to the sport of racing and racing sportsmanship".

CART Goodwill Ambassador Award (Championship Auto Racing Teams)

1981

Member of SKOAL Auto Racing All America Team as selected by American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA)

1980

Voted "Professional Driver of the Year" by UNICO NATIONAL

1979

"Most Outstanding Athlete" award presented by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association at their 75th annual awards dinner

Mario becomes International Race of Champions (IROC) titlist

1978

Mario becomes Formula One World Champion

"Driver of the Year" sponsored by Olsonite

Mario receives the "Jerry Titus Memorial Award", which is the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) "Driver of the Year" award.

Auto Racing Digest "Driver of the Year"

Auto Racing Fraternity Foundation "Driver of the Year"

Eastern Motorsports Press Association "Eastern Driver of the Year"

Member of American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) Racing All America Team

1977

Motor Magazine in Rome, Italy "Driver of the Year"

Auto Racing Digest "Driver of the Year"

Mario receives the "Jerry Titus Memorial Award", which is the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) "Driver of the Year" award

Member of American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) Racing All America Team

Eastern Motorsports Press Association "Eastern Driver of the Year"

1976

Bicentennial Award presented by Golden Slipper Club for bringing honor to Philadelphia

1975

Receives the "Mark Donohue Memorial Award" from the Eastern Motorsports Press Association as "Driver of the Year"

Member of American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) Racing All America Team

1974

Mario becomes USAC National Dirt Track champion

Named "Genesee Driver of the Year" by Genesee Brewing Co.

1970

Member of American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) Racing All America Team

1969

"Mario wins the Indianapolis 500

Mario wins Pikes Peak Hillclimb

Mario wins his third Indy Car National Championship (USAC)

Named ABC Wide World of Sports "Athlete of the Year"

City of Nazareth, Pennsylvania renames Market Street to "Victory Lane" in honor of Mario winning the 1969 Indianapolis 500

Named "Driver of the Year" by Hoosier Auto Racing Fans (HARF)

1968

Award for outstanding service from the National Easter Seals Society for Crippled Children and Adults

1967

Mario wins the Daytona 500

Vanderbilt Cup Award for "outstanding achievements and becoming the nation's most recognized driver"

Martini and Rossi "Driver of the Year"

1966

Mario wins his second Indy Car National Championship (USAC)

Selected to appear in the 1966 edition of Outstanding Young Men of America

Schmidt's Sports Award in recognition of outstanding contribution to the sports life of the Delaware Valley (Pennsylvania)

1965

In his first full season, Mario wins his first Indy Car National Championship and was the youngest to do so, at age 25. (USAC)

Rookie of the Year at Indianapolis 500

Sports Personality of 1965, from the Phoenix Press Box Association

1963

United Racing Club (URC) presented Mario with a trophy for "ability under adverse conditions"

Hall of Fame Inductions
  • National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame (2019)
  • FIA Hall of Fame, Paris, France (2017)
  • Lehigh Valley Sports Hall of Fame, Northampton, PA (2017)
  • Superman Hall of Heroes, supermanhallofheroes.com (2015)
  • National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, Concord, NC (2014)
  • Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, Toronto, Canada (2013)
  • USAC (United States Auto Club) Hall of Fame, Indianapolis, Indiana (2012)
  • Diecast Hall of Fame (2012)
  • Motor Sport Hall of Fame, Motor Sport Magazine, London, England (2010)
  • Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame. The "walk" is on South Pine Avenue in Long Beach, California; 22-inch bronze medallions are imbedded into the sidewalk, representing each inductee. Mario inducted in 2008. He won the Long Beach Grand Prix in 1977 (F1), 1984, 1985 and 1987 (Indy Car).
  • Hot Wheels Hall of Fame, Mattel, Inc. (2006); exhibit is housed at Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles, California
  • Automotive Hall of Fame, Dearborn, Michigan (2005)
  • Sebring International Raceway Hall of Fame, Sebring, Florida (2004)
  • Eastern Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame (2000)
  • International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Talladega, Alabama (2000)
  • National Sprint Car Hall of Fame, Knoxville, Iowa (1996)
  • National Association of Auto Racing Fan Clubs Hall of Fame (1995)
  • Molson Indy Hall of Fame, Inaugural Inductee, Toronto, Canada (1994)
  • Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, Novi, Michigan (1990)
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, Speedway, Indiana (1986)
  • Eastern Old Timers Auto Racing Club Hall of Fame (1982)
  • National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame, Chicago, Illinois (1981)
  • American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame (1976)
  • Hoosier Auto Racing Fans Hall of Fame (1970)
What others have said about Mario

Mario is a star, not only because of the titles he won, but because he has the aura that surrounds an unusual man, which people sense when they meet him...

Dan Gurney

Champion Race Car Driver

... His resilience and sustained passion for driving competitively are breathtaking. ...

Dan Gurney

Champion Race Car Driver

... Top this off with a business acumen worthy of the toughest Wall Street barons, plus a few Washington politicians and athletes who know what it means to go the extra mile, and you have some sense of Mario's character.

Dan Gurney

Champion Race Car Driver

Andretti was never petulant, juvenile or devious, which is a great deal more than can be said for a lot of other top-rank drivers in the Grand Prix pressure-cooker. His behavior was, invariably, a credit to his profession.

Grand Prix Hall of Fame website

His long list of major championships, awards and honors, and the versatility he displayed in achieving them, make Mario Andretti deserving of his rank at the top of the list of all-time greats of the sport.

Motorsports Hall of Fame website

I rate him alongside the Maestro, Juan Manuel Fangio, not only for the sheer brilliance he has shown behind the wheel, but for the manner in which he accepted defeat and victory.

Sir Stirling Moss

Legendary British racing driver

He is the most accomplished driver perhaps of all time because he has driven and won in a wider range of cars than any other racing driver.

Gordon Kirby

Motorsports Journalist and Author

Mario's esteem covers the globe like a blanket.

Paul Newman

Oscar-winning actor

SONGS WITH MARIO'S NAME IN THE LYRICS

Crash

by Gwen Stefani

Read Lyrics

Drive

by Alan Jackson

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Good for Me

by Amy Grant

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Uneasy Rider

by Charlie Daniels Band

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Steady Mobbin

by Ice Cube

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Shadrach

by Beastie Boys

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Award Tour

by A Tribe Called Quest

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Let the Funk Flow

by EPMD

Read Lyrics

I Wanna Rock

by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Read Lyrics

BOOKS WRITTEN BY OR ABOUT MARIO