Third-generation Indy car racer Marco Andretti has retired from racing.
Andretti, who is 38 years old and has made 20 Indianapolis 500 starts, made the announcement Wednesday on social media.
“To my family, friends, teams, sponsors, and fans who have genuinely supported me for the last 30 years in motorsports, I want to thank you for allowing me the privilege to continue our family’s passion on the race track,” Andretti posted. “I have had some really fun times behind the wheel in a lot of different types of racing cars — a lot of great memories as well, mostly at the Indy 500.
“Today, I am announcing my retirement from motor racing and the Indianapolis 500. That totals 20 starts at the speedway, which I feel so fortunate to be able to say. That is ranked 12th all-time. Not bad for a 38-year-old. I am proud of my overall stats at the Indy 500,” he added. “I had six very legitimate shots at victory with Andretti Autosport and ended up with 20-percent top-three finishes at the speedway.
“It feels accomplishing to me to be able to retire having more podium finishes than my father Michael and the same as my grandfather Mario at the biggest race in the world. I will never forget the rare circumstance of getting to race my dad in the closing laps for the win there — the pressure of participating in a dramatic Bump Day in 2011 to a pole position in 2020. That is what the Indianapolis 500 produces: extremes on both ends.
“That is why I love and appreciate it so much. I am very much at peace with the next chapter in my life after dedicating three decades to the sport. I will be prioritizing most of my time on being a great father to my daughter, Miura, and tending to my other business ventures.
“I am also coming out with a memoir about my life called “Defending the Dynasty.” Details coming soon on that. 2006–2025: Competing at the top level of North American motorsport is and has been an honor for me, even in the tough times. That is where I can look back and say I have made my best progress in life as a man.
“Learning to navigate very difficult dynamics at times, and others doubting me, made me realize that my opinion of myself is the one that should matter the most. Lastly, a special thank-you to a lot of the people I respect in motor racing for the kind words about my driving, work ethic, and true character.”
Andretti made 252 IndyCar starts over a 19-year career and scored a pair of victories.
He was also a frequent competitor in IMSA endurance races and in recent years started numerous races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series.
