Indy car great Mario Andretti, who went into the heart of stock car territory 50 years ago and won the Daytona 500, has been named an honorary race official for the 59th annual race on Feb. 26. As part of his duties for the NASCAR season opener, Andretti will be introduced at the drivers’ meeting, participate in prerace ceremonies, ride in a parade cars and take part in question-and-answer sessions in fan hospitality areas. In addition, a replica of Andretti’s 1967 winning No. 11 Holman-Moody Ford will be on display.
Andretti is considered by many to be the greatest driver in the history of motorsports, having been named Co-Driver of Century by the Associated Press in 1999. He won the 1978 Formula One World Championship, four Indy car championships and the 1969 Indianapolis 500. His 52 Indy car wins rank second only to A.J. Foyt’s 67. Andretti and Foyt are the only drivers to have won both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500.
SOURCE: INDYCAR