Auto racing roundup: Marco Andretti wins Indy 500 pole

By Lois Robinett

The Andretti Curse comes to an end as Marco Andretti wins the pole position

The last member of the legendary racing Andretti family who won the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was in 1969, by Mario Andretti. Ending the 33-year drought was grandson Marco Andretti who logged a four-lap average of 231.068 mph to overthrow five-time IndyCar champion, Scott Dixon, from the pole.

Scott Dixon, the contender:

Beating Scott Dixon’s provisional pole run by 0.017 mph – the third-closest margin in the race’s history by speed, Andretti recorded a four-lap of 2 minutes, 35.7985 seconds in the No. 98 U.S. Concrete/Curb Honda.  

 Speaking about the race, Andretti shares that he knew it was going to be interesting and that he was watching the speeds Dixon ran, a luxury of going last. By Lap 2 he knew Lap 3 and 4 were going to be tough but he pulled through and managed to score a win. 

The Andretti Curse:

Marco’s grandfather, Mario Andretti earned his only Indy 500 win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1969. Ever since, the curse has haunted three generations of Andretti racers. 

His son, Michael tried 16 times but remained unsuccessful, on the other hand, Marco Andretti came in second on his first try at the brickyard. 

Elated at his grandson’s win, the legendary racer is happier than he has ever been. He excitedly shared how his grandson has got the experience and a really good team. Almost winning the pole in his rookie year, Mario could not contain his pride-swelled chest.  

Marco who noticed the wind pick up from a day earlier remembered his grandfather’s advice who told him that the wind might be scary but it will never crash the racer. Albeit it can be worrisome, the experienced racer told his grandson to trust the car and have confidence in it.  

Rounding the top five:

Takuma Sato placed third with a four-lap average of 23.725 kmph in the No. Panasonic/PeopleReady Honda. Placing fourth driving the lone Chevrolet in the Fast Nine was rookie Rinus VeeKay at 230.704 kmph in the No. 21 SONAX entry which is the best qualifying result for a teenager in Indianapolis 500 history. 

Qualifying at the fifth place in the No. 28 DHL Honda at 230.648 kmph was Ryan Hunter-Reay. 

The following day of track action will be Miller Lite Carb Day when every one of the 33 drivers will practice for the last time before the race from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

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Lois Robinett 3714 posts 0 comments

Lois Robinett is the co-author of Blackout and the NYT Bestselling author of YA books Monday's Not Coming, Allegedly, Let Me Hear A Rhyme, Grown, White Smoke, and Santa in The City.

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