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Racer John Andretti dies after long battle with cancer

Driver John Andretti's cancer has returned
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Posted at 3:21 PM, Jan 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-30 21:54:04-05

INDIANAPOLIS — Race car driver John Andretti has died.

Andretti, who lived in Brownsburg and was 56, battled colon cancer for the last three years.

His death was confirmed Thursday by Andretti Autosport.

Andretti competed in many levels of racing, including 393 NASCAR races over 17 years.

He was in the Brickyard 400 11 times and the Indianapolis 500 12 times between 1988 and 2011.

His best finish in the 500 was 5th in the 1991 race.

John Andretti was a member of a storied racing family. He was the nephew of 1969 Indy winner Mario Andretti. Michael and Jeff Andretti were cousins. His father, Aldo Andretti, is the twin brother of Mario.

Penske Entertainment Corporation president and CEO Mark Miles issued a statement honoring Andretti on behalf of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"John Andretti's skills behind the wheel of any kind of race car were admired by his millions of fans around the world, and he always returned that loyalty and kindness to become one of the most popular drivers of his generation," Miles said. "But John's true mission was helping others, whether through his countless hours of charity work, especially with Riley Children's Hospital here in Indianapolis, or by the colon screening campaign he started in April 2017 after he was diagnosed with cancer.

"John's positive attitude and selflessness throughout his brave fight inspired all of us and will be a legacy that will continue forever. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Nancy, their three children and the entire Andretti family."

IMS pylon lit up in honor of John Andretti

Long active in many community causes, Andretti was involved for years in raising funds for Riley Hospital for Children.

Andretti attended St. Malachy School in Brownsburg and Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis, just a few miles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He graduate from Moravian College in Pennsylvania.

Andretti is survived by his wife Nancy and children Jarett, Olivia and Amelia.

#CheckIt4Andretti pic.twitter.com/jYd6bi4EeW

— NTT IndyCar Series (@IndyCar) January 30, 2020

But, his legacy will be his kind spirit, warm smile, & tireless work in raising millions for @RileyChildrens hospital.
God speed to an Indy treasure.

— Jake Query (@jakequery) January 30, 2020