Full Name: Mario Gabriele Andretti
Birthplace/Birthdate: Born in Montona, Italy on February 28, 1940
Current Residence: Nazareth, Pennsylvania
Wife: Dee Ann (married November 25, 1961)
Three Children: Michael (10/5/62), Jeffrey (4/14/64) and Barbra (7/13/69)
Seven Grandchildren: Marco, Marissa, Miranda, Isabella, Lucca, Miati, Mario
Two Siblings: Twin brother Aldo, and older sister Anna Maria
Arrived in US from Italy: June 16, 1955
Became a naturalized US citizen: April 7, 1965
Do you still feel like you're a part of racing? |
|
I'm definitely still part of racing and loving it. If I didn't, I wouldn't be following it so intensely and studying every series. I still watch every race - Formula One, IndyCar, motorcycles, NASCAR. |
If racing had not been your occupation, what would? |
|
A fighter pilot. In 1985, I was invited to fly in an F-15. Since then I've flown in an F-16 and F-111. The only one I haven't been in is the F-18 Hornet which lands on aircraft carriers. That's on my bucket list. |
What else is on your bucket list? |
|
I'd like to travel to places I've never been: Prague, Budapest, Russia, New Delhi, Antarctica, Mumbai, Mars. |
Favorite movie? |
|
The one I really enjoyed as a kid was To Please a Lady with Clark Gable and Barbara Stanwyck. It was about a racer. Actually, the title of the movie in Italy was Indianapolis. I was so captivated, completely mesmerized. |
Favorite music? |
|
When we were living in Italy, my dad sometimes worked as an extra at the local theater during opera season. When he was hired, we got free tickets up in the peanut gallery. Even as a kid the opera spoke to me. I loved it. Opera was also something we heard all the time on radio; it was quite common in our house. As a result, I have had a lifelong love of the opera. |
What is something about you that nobody would guess? |
|
I can sing a number of opera arias from beginning to end in Italian (you'll have to take my word for it). |
What is your fondest memory of your grandparents? |
|
Everything they did was festive. They owned a small hotel and restaurant in our town in Italy. Every Sunday the entire family gathered for a special event. |
What was your first job? |
|
Working at my uncle Louie's Sunoco gas station in Nazareth, Pennsylvania when I was 15. My brother and I both worked there. |
Favorite dessert? |
|
Dark chocolate gelato is bliss. |
You're hosting a dinner party for your favorite people. What's on the menu? |
|
I'm grilling veal chops. |