Yahoo Autos Letter to Fans: Michael Andretti Is 'Going to Spend More Time with Family'
In an open letter to fans of Andretti Global, former team boss Michael Andretti described his recent departure from his leadership role as “just the turning of the page.”
Andretti recently turned over leadership of Andretti Global, one of the world’s leading auto racing organizations, to businessman and investor Daniel Towriss. Andretti plans to remain involved with the team in an advisory role but is stepping back from day-to-day operations.
Andretti told The Associated Press that he retains partial ownership in the team that bears the name of one of racing’s great families. Michael’s father, Mario, is a former F1 world champion and one of the leading drivers in IndyCar history.
Michael Andretti, 62, has 10-year-old twins and recently became a grandfather.
The team has been shaded by controversy in recent months as Andretti has pursued without success team ownership in Formula 1. In January, F1 officials rejected Andretti Global’s bid for a franchise, saying in part that Andretti’s operation would provide little value to the sport and that its participation as an expansion team would cut into profits shared by the existing teams.
Andretti’s open letter:
“To Our Fans,
“I was born a racer. From an early age, I didn’t know anything different than life in the fast lane. Being a “son of” – be it a proud one – came with a high bar and, once I pressed the gas, I never looked back. I stopped at nothing to find success. I drove for the passion and love of the sport, but I won for the fear of losing. My father’s childhood dream became my destiny and together, we built a legacy and a family business.
“When my driving days slowed, I set my sights on creating a space that would inspire future drivers to go faster than I had. I believe that, together with the help of many very qualified and passionate team members, I have been able to do just that. For the past two decades, our team has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. We’ve grown on a global level that I believe is still untouched in motorsport and we’ve seen some of the best talent in racing proudly wear the Andretti badge.
“Many of my best memories have come at the wheel of this organization, and I am so proud of what we have built. But decades of running flat out doesn’t come without sacrifice and, after much thought and reflection over the past several months, I came to the decision to take a step back. I’ve had a day-to-day operational role since even before I stepped out of the race car, and it’s time now to pass the baton to my partner and friend, Dan Towriss.
“As I make this decision for myself, my family and this team, I know this is somewhat of a shock to many, especially you, the fans, my extended family. For many of you, you’ve watched me grow up, or you’ve grown up right alongside of me, and no matter what moves we’ve made as a team, you’ve stuck by our side at every turn. It is not lost on me that the generations of Andretti fans are the best in the business. I’m honored to be considered a fan favorite, a role model and a friend. And I thank you for a lifetime of support and, in some cases, your brutal honesty.
“But I am not going away – I will be serving as an advisor for the team and will be available to help wherever I can. While you might see me less at the racetrack, know that my passion for the sport and my support for our team, and its people, will remain unwavering.
“My hope is that you, as Andretti fans, will keep supporting our team with the same enthusiasm and loyalty that you’ve so graciously shown myself and my family over the years.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to spend more time with my beautiful family, including my 10-year-old twins, embrace my new Nonno title and explore new things on a personal level and with my other businesses. So, this isn’t a goodbye. It is just the turning of the page.”
