After spending three years developing the Turbocar’s design, Wallis and the Granatellis built a practical, working vehicle. Wallis, an aeronautical engineer who directed experimental systems at Douglas Aircraft, to help design the car because of his extensive experience with aircraft design and his contacts in the field. The motive power would bear some similarities to a jet aircraft engine both employed a turbine, but the race car engine would not be a true jet engine because it depended on a driveshaft, not thrust, to move the car forward. The Granatellis wished to build “the first truly space-age racing vehicle … totally designed on aircraft principles,” according to a press release. Vince and Joseph Granatelli, brothers of STP CEO Andy Granatelli, built the STP Turbocar in complete secrecy but complied with all racing regulations in effect at Indianapolis at the time. I know this decision wasn’t easy.Turbine engine shown in place on the frame of the STP Turbocar “Marco has always had the courage to chart his own path and I’m proud of the career he’s built for himself and the person he’s become. “I think for any multi-generational athlete, it can be really challenging to find your own ground and make your own name on top of your family’s,“ Michael Andretti said. He was 20th in the final season standings, lowest of all full-time Ind圜ar drivers. The 33-year-old won the pole in August for the Indianapolis 500 but he didn’t lead a lap and finished 13th. Marco Andretti has two career victories in 15 seasons, his last in 2011. Mario Andretti, his grandfather, ranks second on Ind圜ar’s all-time win list with 52 victories including the 1969 Indy 500. I support and respect his decision to take a focus on other areas of life, and maybe even other forms of motorsport,” team owner Michael Andretti said Friday of his son.Īndretti followed his grandfather, father and cousins into Ind圜ar racing but has never found the same success as his famed family. “Marco and I have discussed this at length. He will be in a car next week testing in Sebring, Florida. Marco Andretti will not run the full Ind圜ar schedule this season as the third-generation driver reprioritizes his racing career.Īndretti will compete in the Indianapolis 500, the historic race his family has notoriously won just once, and assist Andretti Autosport with preseason testing and development.
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