I lived the true American dream, because I was able to pursue what I set as my goals at a very young age.

it made leaving Formula One a lot easier than it would have been. When the Parnelli team pulled out of Formula One after two races of the 1976 season Andretti returned to Chapman's Lotus team for whom he had already driven at the season-opening Brazilian Grand Prix. It wasn't until 1975 that Andretti drove a full Formula One season for the American Parnelli team.

He was the only person to be named United States Driver of the Year in three decades (1967 1978 and 1984). He was also one of only three drivers to win races on road courses paved ovals and dirt tracks in one season a feat that he accompliMario Andrettid four times. Andretti had a long career in racing.