News - Local
John Andretti to drive pace car for Pikes Peak Hillclimb
Posted: May 12, 2010 1:50 PM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
A member of one auto racing's most successful families will drive the official pace car on June 27 to open the 88th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. John Andretti will be behind the wheel to start the Race To The Clouds in Colorado Springs. The Hill Climb is the nation's second-oldest motor sports event behind only the Indianapolis 500.
Andretti has won in CART, NHRA, Top Fuel Dragsters, endurance racing and NASCAR stock car racing.
This will be his first appearance at the legendary race. His famous uncle, Mario, won the title at the 1969 Pikes Peak Hill Climb when it was part of the USAC National Championship series.
"I'm really looking forward to being at Pikes Peak," said Andretti, "it's probably one of the top motor sports events where the rules have not eliminated ingenuity, and it's such a unique event, cars, people and an element of risk. It's going to be tough for me not to jump in somebody's car and head for the top."
Andretti's pace car will be a Porsche Panamera Turbo, provided by Porsche of Colorado Springs.
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