Andretti honored at EMPA convention

Marco Andretti, the 2006 IndyCar Series Bombardier Rookie of the Year, was honored with the T. Wayne Robertson Newsmaker of the Year Award Jan. 27 at the annual Eastern Motorsports Press Association convention.

"It's a great honor," said Andretti, who captured the attention of the racing world with a second-place finish at the Indianapolis 500 and later became the youngest driver to win a major open-wheel series race with a victory at Infineon Raceway. "T. Wayne had the same belief that my entire family does, and that was getting the sport out there and getting it done. My entire family got the award. I'm honored to be the third."

The 19-year-old addressed a group of approximately 100 EMPA members at the organization's annual convention in Trevose, Pa. He recalled some early moments in his racing career and looked ahead to 2007. When asked about his goals for the upcoming season, the answer was short and to the point.

"Win the Indy 500," he said. "And the championship would be nice."