When you think of the Andretti family, you automatically think of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Andretti’s are one of the most famous IndyCar racing families. Mario Andretti, arguably the most famous of them all, did make a handful of NASCAR starts in the ‘60’s including a Daytona 500 win, however, Mario’s nephew, John Andretti, is the only family member who is known for his NASCAR career.

This weekend, John Andretti will hit the asphalt at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the most starts at that track than any other driver. Robby Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya will be the only other drivers at Indy who have raced in NASCAR, IndyCar and the former Champ Car World Series events at the famed track. This race will be the 21st start for Andretti at the Brickyard.

The No. 34 Chevrolet that Andretti will drive is locked into the field based on the team’s position in the points, so he will not have to worry about qualifying. His only worry, just like everyone else’s is the tire issue that nearly ruined the event last year.

“They fixed, they think, all of the tire problems from last season,” Andretti said. “They really feel they have a good handle on it, I’ve talked to a few of the different drivers who have tested there and they feel really good about the tire. I think everyone went in with a lot of skepticism, but all the comments have been glowing.  I think Goodyear really came out with a great tire and a great result. I don’t believe there are going to be any issues."

Despite the questionable tire situation, Andretti is looking forward to take to the pavement at his home track once again.

“The banking and the speeds are unique to Indianapolis, opposed to most other places,” Andretti said.  “I think that Indy is such a unique animal that it’s just always going to produce unique problems. It’s just a challenge. It’s a challenge for the drivers, for the tire companies, a challenge for the motor builders, so I just think it’s hard to do everything right at Indianapolis and that’s what goes into it being such a great facility.”

With ten Sprint Cup Series starts at Indy, Andretti has only recorded one top-10 finish, a 7th place finish back in 1998.

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