Mario Andretti to get first ever Firestone Legends of Indy 500 award

Mario Andretti

Firestone is pleased to announce the Firestone Legends of the Indianapolis 500 Award and the inaugural recipient, Mario Andretti. The award celebrates the proud heritage of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and those individuals who have helped define and contribute to the legacy of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Andretti’s win at the 1969 Indianapolis 500 was one for the record books. He completed the entire 500-mile race with the same right-rear Firestone tire on his car. The right-rear wheel was stuck, so Andretti and his crew decided to leave it on the car rather than risk losing valuable time. The decision proved to be the right one, and speaks to both his incredible competitive spirit and ability as a driver as well as Firestone’s unrivaled performance at the Speedway.

During his five-decade long career, Andretti was a champion in every sense of the word. He is the only driver to have won the Indianapolis 500, the IndyCar Championship, the Daytona 500 and the Formula One World Championship. To Firestone, and racing enthusiasts worldwide, it wasn’t just the winning that made Andretti a champion. It was the way he did it. Andretti continues to be one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors.

In addition to honoring Andretti, Firestone will make a $20,000 donation to The Fund to Benefit Children & Youth which provides services to abused, neglected and at-risk children and their families in the Lehigh Valley near Andretti’s home in Nazareth, Penn.

Firestone will present Andretti with his award during the Public Driver’s Meeting .