News

Marco Andretti Wins Pole For Indy 500

NASCAR driver Marco Andretti is a second-generation racer – his grandfather Mario Andretti notably having issues with the Indy 500 when he won the race only once in 1969 then never again, going 1-29 at the Indy 500. Fifty-one years later, Andretti’s grandson Marco Andretti, won the pole position for this year’s race by outlasting original pole holder Scott Dixon.

“Obviously, I was emotional. We put so much into it. This place means so much to us as a family,” Marco Andretti said. “We’ve just been through so many ups and downs at this place. Obviously, my [late] cousin, John, is riding with me, my grandfather from home. “I’m happier now than I’ve ever been. I jumped so high I hit my head on the ceiling and it’s a 9-foot ceiling. He knows what he needs to do to get the best out of the car and minimize mistakes. He’s seriously focused on winning the 500.”

It was unfortunate for Andretti to win pole for the first time in the Indy 500’s hundred-plus year history that it had to keep its gates closed due to coronavirus concerns. “An Andretti on the pole at Indianapolis – too bad we couldn’t hear the crowd explode,” teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay said. While the elation of the win is still lingering, the pressure on Andretti will undoubtedly build as the week goes on as he tries to break the “Andretti Curse.” This was Marco’s fifteenth attempt at winning pole and after that long of not winning he may be in his own head at this point but he is trying to stay positive.

“I’m hoping the Andretti curse doesn’t exist in August,” he said.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Nico Ribadeneyra

Recent Posts

Benched Kirk Cousins, The ‘Best No. 2 QB In The NFL,’ Cheers On Falcons’ Starter Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons announced Tuesday that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. would start the team's…

23 hours ago

Patriots’ Drake Maye Stands By Head Coach Jerod Mayo, Denies Job Security Concerns

In the midst of a 3-11 season with a rookie quarterback, first-year Patriots head coach…

23 hours ago

Giants To Start Quarterback Drew Lock In Week 16 Against Falcons And Michael Penix Jr.

The New York Giants will start quarterback Drew Lock in Week 16 against the Atlanta…

2 days ago

Former Lakers Coach Darvin Ham Slams Team For Unfair Firing, High Expectations

Former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham spoke out about his time with his old team,…

2 days ago

Chiefs’ Hollywood Brown Could Finally Make 2024 Debut After Lengthy IR Stint

The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly activating wide receiver Hollywood Brown from injured reserve this…

3 days ago

Mets Add Another Starter, Sign Righthander Griffin Canning In One-Year, $4.25 Million Deal

The New York Mets signed righthanded pitcher Griffin Canning to a one-year, $4.25 million deal…

3 days ago