If someone is talking about auto racing, chances are the name “Mario Andretti” is part of the discussion.
The name, synonymous with speed, belongs to a man and a legend who just happened to swing through Shawnee Thursday.
Andretti, now retired from active racing, is the official spokesman for Firestone tires. As part of his many public appearances each year, he came to local Firestone and Bridgestone dealer Fred’s Tire and Battery for a grand-opening ceremony at owner Fred Rutherford’s new location.
“Firestone has so much depth. They’ve been around for so many years,” Andretti said. “They have reason to celebrate.”
Andretti, who has been involved with Firestone in some way since the 1960s, said he enjoys seeing how multiple generations are affected by the tire brand.
“I enjoy it very much, to see the success,” he said. “You see fathers who have provided for their kids, and I think that’s commendable. You see that with Fred’s.”
Rutherford has been in business in Shawnee since 1968. His new facility, on North Harrison, officially opened its doors in February. Work there is overseen by his son, Darren Rutherford.
“They’ve been an important part of Shawnee for the better part of 50 years,” said Vision Bank president Carl Packwood, who attended Thursday’s event.
Andretti signed autographs and posed for photographs Thursday, and had a brief meeting with Shawnee city officials. Some of those in attendance were Shawnee Police Chief Russell Frantz, Shawnee Fire Chief Jimmy Gibson, Shawnee City Manager Brian McDougal and Shawnee City Commissioner Carl Holt.
Andretti spoke of his career — which began in the 1960s and includes multiple victories — and compared racing at the start of his career to racing now.
“The task of the driver has always been to take what you’re sitting in and take it to the limit,” he said. “The challenge to the driver is to get 100 percent out of the car.”
Heightened safety regulations and new safety gear in contemporary racing doesn’t change that fact, Andretti said.
“It doesn’t take anything away from the driver’s challenges,” he said, adding that the champions of 50 years ago would still be champions today because of their skills behind the wheel.
“It’s so easy to be mediocre about anything,” Andretti said. “It’s all about the desire and the passion.
“Your mindset should be ‘winning every race.’ If it’s not, you’ve lost before you even start the engine. You never give up no matter what, and usually it pays you back.”
Andretti considers himself blessed to have made it through a long and adrenaline-packed career, and to be able to retire on his “own terms.”
“I’ve been blessed. I had a long career,” he said, adding that he lost many good friends over the years. “I dodged a lot of bullets, and I don’t take that for granted. Today the sport is as safe as it is because we got smart.”
Andretti, who was born in Italy, was immediately hooked on the sport while watching a race at the age of 14. He said to himself then, “That’s what I want to be,” he said. “That’s what I want to do.”
“That was the one that really cast the mold,” Andretti said of that race. “From there, I did not have a plan B.
“I derived so much good out of the sport. I count my blessings every day.”
Andretti’s career highlights include being the only driver to date to win the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500 and the Formula 1 World Championship. He holds four IndyCar titles, and accumulated more than 100 wins in various major circuits.
Andretti’s legacy is shared by several relatives, including twin brother and former driver Aldo Andretti. Michael and Jeff (Mario’s sons), former drivers, remain active in the racing industry, as does Mario’s grandson, Marco Andretti.
Aldo’s son, John Andretti, currently competes in the NASCAR circuit, while his other son, Adam Andretti, has raced in Formula 3 and NASCAR events.
“It never leaves you,” Mario Andretti said. “That’s’ been our world and will continue to be.”
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If someone is talking about auto racing, chances are the name “Mario Andretti” is part of the discussion.
The name, synonymous with speed, belongs to a man and a legend who just happened to swing through Shawnee Thursday.
Andretti, now retired from active racing, is the official spokesman for Firestone tires. As part of his many public appearances each year, he came to local Firestone and Bridgestone dealer Fred’s Tire and Battery for a grand-opening ceremony at owner Fred Rutherford’s new location.
“Firestone has so much depth. They’ve been around for so many years,” Andretti said. “They have reason to celebrate.”
Andretti, who has been involved with Firestone in some way since the 1960s, said he enjoys seeing how multiple generations are affected by the tire brand.
“I enjoy it very much, to see the success,” he said. “You see fathers who have provided for their kids, and I think that’s commendable. You see that with Fred’s.”
Rutherford has been in business in Shawnee since 1968. His new facility, on North Harrison, officially opened its doors in February. Work there is overseen by his son, Darren Rutherford.
“They’ve been an important part of Shawnee for the better part of 50 years,” said Vision Bank president Carl Packwood, who attended Thursday’s event.
Andretti signed autographs and posed for photographs Thursday, and had a brief meeting with Shawnee city officials. Some of those in attendance were Shawnee Police Chief Russell Frantz, Shawnee Fire Chief Jimmy Gibson, Shawnee City Manager Brian McDougal and Shawnee City Commissioner Carl Holt.
Andretti spoke of his career — which began in the 1960s and includes multiple victories — and compared racing at the start of his career to racing now.
“The task of the driver has always been to take what you’re sitting in and take it to the limit,” he said. “The challenge to the driver is to get 100 percent out of the car.”
Heightened safety regulations and new safety gear in contemporary racing doesn’t change that fact, Andretti said.
“It doesn’t take anything away from the driver’s challenges,” he said, adding that the champions of 50 years ago would still be champions today because of their skills behind the wheel.
“It’s so easy to be mediocre about anything,” Andretti said. “It’s all about the desire and the passion.
“Your mindset should be ‘winning every race.’ If it’s not, you’ve lost before you even start the engine. You never give up no matter what, and usually it pays you back.”
Andretti considers himself blessed to have made it through a long and adrenaline-packed career, and to be able to retire on his “own terms.”
“I’ve been blessed. I had a long career,” he said, adding that he lost many good friends over the years. “I dodged a lot of bullets, and I don’t take that for granted. Today the sport is as safe as it is because we got smart.”
Andretti, who was born in Italy, was immediately hooked on the sport while watching a race at the age of 14. He said to himself then, “That’s what I want to be,” he said. “That’s what I want to do.”
“That was the one that really cast the mold,” Andretti said of that race. “From there, I did not have a plan B.
“I derived so much good out of the sport. I count my blessings every day.”
Andretti’s career highlights include being the only driver to date to win the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500 and the Formula 1 World Championship. He holds four IndyCar titles, and accumulated more than 100 wins in various major circuits.
Andretti’s legacy is shared by several relatives, including twin brother and former driver Aldo Andretti. Michael and Jeff (Mario’s sons), former drivers, remain active in the racing industry, as does Mario’s grandson, Marco Andretti.
Aldo’s son, John Andretti, currently competes in the NASCAR circuit, while his other son, Adam Andretti, has raced in Formula 3 and NASCAR events.
“It never leaves you,” Mario Andretti said. “That’s’ been our world and will continue to be.”
