Marco Andretti Hopes Past Success Continues At Indy And Texas

Marco Andretti

Marco Andretti’s start to the IndyCar Series season has been described as a “rollercoaster." Having tallied just one top-10 finish in the first four races of the season, coupled with three finishes of 14th or worse, Andretti is focused on an upcoming schedule that features the series’ two marquee events – the Indianapolis 500 and historic Firestone Twin 275s at Texas Motor Speedway. Despite having to secure his spot in the Indy 500 during the final minute of Sunday’s Bump Day, Andretti has reason to remain optimistic about his turnaround. With Sunday’s Indy 500 and the June 11 Firestone Twin 275s on the horizon, he believes the learning curve the team has encountered in Indianapolis will help them as they prepare for race day at Indy and then head to Texas Motor Speedway.

“Speed-wise unfortunately will be the same …" Andretti said. “But the race is different than qualifying because the tow will be able to keep me there so then it comes down to car balance. That’s why I’m really looking forward to the race in Indy as well. Even though we didn’t have the speed, it’s a lot different when 33 cars are out there. And I love this place (Texas). I’ve always had fun here." Andretti has reason to remain optimistic about a turnaround to his season considering his success at both venues. He has three top-three finishes in five career starts in the Indy 500, including a best of second in his 2006 rookie campaign and third last year. In his last two races at “The Great American Speedway!" he has turned in a pair of top-five finishes, including a personal best of third during last year’s Firestone 550k.

In 2008, he looked poised to capture a victory as he led 25 laps and was leading when he and Ryan Hunter-Reay were involved in an accident with seven laps remaining. For Andretti, the fast, high-banked Texas Motor Speedway fits his style of racing and one of the races he looks to break through for his second career win.

“It’s a unique place. It’s super quick," Andretti said. “It’s like a bowl where we are really fast. I’ve had good cars here with decent results. I always say sweep the high line at this place. I always set the car up to run high here. It’s been working for me. I enjoy it; it is fun. Going three and four wide, I’d like to think it’s good for the fans, too."