RRDC Evening with Mario Andretti - Full Interview

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[@1970PMD]

One of my childhood heroes, I had the pleasure to shake his hand and actually speak to him and Michael during the Tamiami practice runs of 1986. At that time you could walk right up to the driver with no security to speak of. I was 19 years old fortunate enough to be there at the perfect time when Mario and Michael were standing near the pit entrance just watching practice and discussing strategies. I took dozens of pictures of that day, cherished memories indeed. Great vid, thumbs up.

[@dennismevis8892]

In the 60’s I was a kid and I chose Mario as my favorite driver. What a good man and great driver. Consequently, I am a fan of all the Andretti’s.

[@timholt8369]

I've travelled to Italy with Mario and our wives in 1985. It was a genuine 'once in a lifetime' experience. He is such a class act. He told stories of Colin and his time with Lotus and his experience testing with the Porsche Indy car..... all fascinating, non published stories. The highlight, was meeting Enzo Ferrari when we went to the factory. Everywhere we went in Italy that week, Imola, the factory, Rimini, people flocked to take pictures and ask for autographs. He is world renown.... a legend among legends in the racing world. The following week he won the Indycar race at Laguna Seca. Tim

[@bricemazz]

He is Mario Andretti F1 champion ! Your memories might have been amazing to live. And Rimini and Riccione are beautiful! Forza Mario

[@danieldangelo7937]

Great story teller all REAL folks. Immigrant stories are great to listen too. Especially when there is laughter attached to it. My Grandfather and my father born in Italy landed in Halifax in 1956. They headed to Hamilton Ontario Canada later that year they called my Grandmother and 3 sisters. Worked hard to support the family and himself and became a transmission mechanic and later in years mastered the trade and opened a successful business for over 45 years . He took chances made mistakes but always easy going but determined to be successful. Now he is 81 Still easy going accepting even with health issues. Mario is still his favourite race car driver today because of some similarities like many other Immigrants that come from oversees to the land of opportunities. Show respect and listen to anyone coming into Canada or USA from oversees or across the border.

[@ivanregvat448]

DanielDAngelo - Where in Italy was your Grandfather born?

[@danieldangelo7937]

@@ivanregvat448 Abruzzo, Italy

[@kenbaker8868]

What an awesome night that was! I only wish I could have been there! I’ve met Mario numerous times. The last time I saw him, I just clammed up, couldn’t think at all! But, that’s the kind of person he is! GREATNESS!!

[@racer111259]

i was there and it was great!!

[@kdcobra64]

I have met and had drinks with Mario..What a man

[@timheidel5849]

Wow...fantastic...thank you, Mario...thank you, Bobby...

[@rbrbworld]

Truly a phenomenal evening. Thank you Mr. Shaw, Mario, and everyone else involved!

[@johnfronza2983]

I was raised not too far from Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Mr. Andretti was an Icon in Pennsylvania and still is.

[@archibaldchimpin]

Mario got me into formula one, in 1977, he epitomises everything a race car driver should be, he’s just got it.

[@dtmjax5612]

That Lotus JPS was the best looking race car ever.

[@massimilianobelloni5613]

Mario was my childhood idol

[@DiscordantVice]

Great video, thanks for uploading. Mario had an amazing career and always comes across as a great guy. Very funny too.

[@speedofsand]

This is a treasure for posterity. Great stories and laughs.

[@terrydavis2936]

Bobby Rahal is a damn good host.

[@marksimpson2689]

Wonderful interview with such a great driver yet he’s so humble and modest. Just imagine what Aldo might’ve achieved as well if he hadn’t had his accident

[@RoaroftheTiger]

* Please Read -Paul Newman & Honker II * - There's a little more to that Holman - Moody Honker II Story (Purple Car with Paul Newman's name on the nose; their entry for the Can - Am series). I was 16 years old at the time, and my Dad had taken us to the Bridgehampton for the Can -Am event. ' Believe It or Not' back then at Bridgehampton, only a Chain Link Fence separated the Spectators from the Pit Area. And the distance beyond the Fence to the Pit Area was only 20 feet , if even that ??? So when, I got the opportunity, I found a spot on said Fence facing the Pit and Pit Road. Then suddenly, the Purple Metalflake Len Baily designed HONKER pulls in, directly in front of me ! I recognized that Mario was the driver. But, just as suddenly, Mario jumps out of the car and Rips - Off His Helmet. He then Spikes the Helmet, and Shouts the following; " If Paul Newman Wants His F@#king Name on this F@#king Pig, He Should Drive It ! ! ! " Needless to say, my head nearly exploded ! I was stunned. As it was the most Surreal & Bizarre experience of my then young life. These days; this "encounter of the strange kind", only puts a smile on my face. And of course, there's the added irony; that Mario mentioned at this event; getting Carl Haas together with Paul Newman. But back on that Hot Sunday afternoon, in September of 1967; Paul Newman was most definitely, on Mario's S#@t List !

[@hoopsheavenpa]

The G.O.A.T.!

[@pruettfade4038]

GOAT.

[@fernfournier2772]

yes is big part

[@PeterMayer]

When and where was this done?

[@SAFEisFAST]

This was held on Thursday, April 10th 2014, at the Hilton Hotel, 701 West Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, Calif.

[@johnnylongfeather3086]

Mary-o??

[@MrDieselakias]

why 8 dislikes?

[@wmw3629]

Always some jackasses doing that!

[@johnnylongfeather3086]

Probably the Marco reference.

[@josephdupont]

I love to hear Mario comment on some of this racist when he's doing it out with some of these people in the F1 circuit explaining the tactics he was trying to do and what he had in his mind when he was zeroing in on his competitors I've seen a lot of this stuff on KZbin and abuse be great to hear him give some commentary on that that would be a great gift everybody

[@johnnylongfeather3086]

Mmeeeearrrrio Vs Maahhhhrio.