Jack Daniel's Racing is delighted to announce that third-generation IndyCar star, Marco Andretti will be joining Todd Kelly for the Armor-All Gold Cost 600.
A member of American racing royalty, Marco is the grandson of the legendary and iconic Mario Andretti, and the son of champion driver, current IndyCar team owner Michael Andretti.
The Andretti name has tasted victory on the Gold Coast twice before, Marco’s cousin John winning the inaugural IndyCar race in 1991, while Michael triumphed on the streets of Surfers Paradise in 1994.
Upholding the family legacy, 25 year-old Marco has already established himself as a world-class racecar driver. A winner at every level of racing in which he has competed, Marco looks to build on this success while driving for the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series
At the announcement Todd Kelly said, “I am delighted to welcome Marco to Jack Daniel’s Racing and its great to have the Andretti name back on the Gold Coast.
“Marco certainly knows his way around this track from his IndyCar races, and although the V8 Supercars are different to what he’s used to, I am sure he will find they are just as exciting to drive around here.”
When asked if he is looking forward to attending the Gold Coast V8 Supercar event Andretti said, “Very much so. The event has become very popular among the IndyCar drivers and I am pumped about the chance to compete this year. I appreciate Jack Daniel’s Racing providing me with this opportunity.”
When asked about the appeal of V8 Supercars and how he feels the V8 Supercar race will be received in Texas from 2013 he replied, “V8 Supercars are growing in popularity in the US - - the television coverage definitely helps. I think once US race fans get an opportunity to see these cars in-person and witness the style of racing they produce, the 2013 race in Texas will be well received. ”
Marco will be driving one of the Jack Daniel's Racing cars with Todd Kelly and his expectations for the weekend are quite clear. “Like anything, I want to be competitive. I expect to run in the top-10 and it should be fun. Hopefully Todd and the Jack Daniel’s Racing boys can help me get straight up to speed.”
Marco was enthusiastic about returning to the Gold Coast, “Who doesn’t love Australia? The Gold Coast has always been a popular event and I have been down to Surfers a couple of times - - once with my dad when he was running IndyCars and once for the IndyCar exhibition race (2008). I’m really looking forward to this next trip.”
