What’s in a name?

Marco Andretti kind of glad he wasn't named after grandfather Mario

Marco Andretti said that the names of the newest Andrettis gave pause to him and his brother, Luca. Michael Andretti's wife, Jodi, gave birth to twins (Mario and Miati) Feb. 13 in Indianapolis.

"Lucca and I were talking when we heard the names and we were pretty surprised," Marco said of naming the boy for his grandfather, who ranks second on the Indy car victory list. "But I guess Dad felt the generation was far enough apart that it was OK."

Is Marco, who turns 27 on March 13, glad his wasn't named Mario? "It's not always that easy being Marco Andretti," he said.

Driving for his father, owner of Andretti Autosport, hasn't been easy either.

"It can be a hindrance sometimes, perception-wise for sure," he said. "People thinking that's my only option. To me, I've been dealing with that sort of thing ever since I stepped into the sport."