[Closed] Mario Andretti

Bill, Mario might not be your favorite, but he is mine! So, I really love the layout! Thanks!

Thanks, Marlowe

It's not that I dislike Andretti by any means.... I think the API called him the co-best driver of the 20th century along with A.J. Foyt, but there are a number of others in my top ten that include Gurney, Foyt, Donohue, Mears, McLaren, Fangio and Moss.

From what I've read, I get the feeling Foyt and Andretti didn't exactly...

... have each other as regulars on their Christmas card lists.

All of those drivers you named were great. I think Jim Clark would have to be included in any list.

One of my favorite discussions is who was the greatest driver. Literally, the answer can be debated forever. A viable argument can be made for not only every driver on your list, but perhaps some current drivers could be included too. I think more contemporary drivers like Senna, Prost, Mansell, Fittipaldi, Schumaker, Al Hobert, and Jeff Gordon (yes, him too) are excluded in the minds of many because drivers are single purpose today. Because of sponsorships, commitments, and contracts, drivers don't have the luxury of driving in different series as they did in the past. Plus, to earn more money, past drivers needed to shoe as many cars as they could. That certainly isn't the case today with the incomes drivers currently command. However, given the opportunity, I think a good race car driver is just that.... a good race car driver. Put those names I mentioned in any series and they'll be quick. Given enough time to get used to the car they'd win too.

I liked Mario because he excelled at everything. The only major win missing from his r?sum? is LeMans.

Great pics Bill, and enjoyed the conversation between you and Marlowe, some great drivers named !

All very nice snaps.... I particularly like the first one :))

Bill, I love the Brawner Hawk, it only took me till last year to acquire one. It was a long wait.

Truthfully the GREATEST driver was a wee Scot, who could drive any car he was given, very rarely needed to drive to his full potential to win, was a genuine gentleman, a good farmer, greatly admired Dan Gurney and with his mentor brought a fundamental and irreversible change to the Brickyard. And that's just to start with.

Nice set - the Brawner was a long wait for me as well and good to see it looking sharp in these snaps.

Don't know if it is possible to have/be/annoit the best...

That said, Andretti's history mixes agility and success to a degree rarely seen in any era of motor sport.

Again - a nice tribute Bill.

Thanks Rusty

I think it is interesting the differences in safety between the mid-20th century and now.

With cars being as safe as they are now with the carbon fiber and Kevlar, their crush zones, HANS, fuel cells, etc., being "brave" or "bold" doesn't seem the same as when you're going 150 mph with no roll bar or restraint system and you know that a bold move may, indeed, mean the end of your life, not just a crumpled car.

Thanks Kevin........

I think I've come to realize my "Top Ten" driver list may be fifteen drivers long. LOL

Me, too, Eddie !

For a long time, my favorite car was Al Holbert's Lowenbrau Porsche 962, which is a very similar car, obviously. They just look strong and purposeful.

Getting my Brawner Hawk took me a long time, too, Paul

And I certainly agree with you about the "Wee Scot". I find it very hard to go to any race without thinking " This is a great day for a motorcar race !"

Thanks, Rusty !

Now we need to work on that Belly Tank !

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