Mario Andretti drops hint about Andretti team potentially moving to NASCAR

When Mario Andretti speaks, racing fans listen. This time, the 84-year-old racing legend may have dropped a hint about the Andretti family's future in the NASCAR Cup Series. 

Speaking on the "Dale Jr. Download" podcast, Andretti was asked about his involvement in racing after stepping out of the cockpit, which includes being involved with his son's racing ventures. Michael Andretti, the son of Mario, fields Andretti Autosport in the NTT IndyCar Series, a team that has won four IndyCar championships and has five Indianapolis 500 victories. 

Michael Andretti was denied the opportunity to field a team in Formula 1 earlier in the year, in a move that sparked much public outcry from fans. Now, it sounds like Andretti could be preparing for a venture in the NASCAR Cup Series. 

"With Michael being involved in every aspect of our sport, that gives me reason to find a home no matter where I go," Mario Andretti said. "Pretty soon, it's going to be a home even in Cup, and I hope I'm still alive for that."

Last summer, Michael Andretti seemed to show interest in Andretti Autosport joining the NASCAR Cup Series. One of the team's main sponsors, Gainbridge, became a key partner with Spire Motorsports, which fields three NASCAR Cup Series entries. 

Michael Andretti's son, Marco, drove in three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races for Spire Motorsports in 2023, with Gainbridge providing sponsorship. It seems that both the family and sponsorship ties are already in place, should Michael Andretti's ambition for fielding a NASCAR team continue to be present. 

If Andretti Autosport were to make a foray into NASCAR, they would likely have many key partners and contributors behind them. While the Andretti name may be synonymous with open-wheel racing, especially IndyCar, Mario Andretti was the 1967 Daytona 500 champion, while his nephew, John, won two NASCAR Cup Series races. 

Marco Andretti has experience in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, along with one NASCAR Xfinity Series starts and eight combined starts between the three divisions of the ARCA Menards Series. Marco is also the 2022 Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) champion, as he beat out Daytona 500 champion Ryan Newman for the title by two points. 

While Mario Andretti's words on the "Dale Jr. Download" don't serve as conclusive evidence that Andretti will soon make a move to NASCAR, it's not often that the patriarch of auto racing throws around wild rumors. Don't be surprised if an Andretti team pops up in the near future — and don't be surprised if they're quick to find Victory Lane.