Marco Andretti announces retirement from motorsports, Indy 500

(WXIN/WTTV) — A 19-year IndyCar veteran is announcing his retirement from motorsports.

Marco Andretti, of the legendary Andretti racing family, announced Wednesday morning that he is retiring from both motor racing and competing in the Indianapolis 500. The 38-year-old made the announcement around 11:30 a.m. via a post on social media.

“To my family, friends, teams, sponsors and fans who have supported me for the last 30 years in motorsports, I want to thank you for allowing me the privilege to continue our family’s passion on the racetrack,” Andretti wrote. “I have had some really fun times behind the wheel in a lot of different types of racing cars – a lot of great memories as well, mostly at the Indy 500.”

Andretti has made 20 starts at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, dating back to when he was just 19. In 2006, he was named the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year as well as overall Rookie of the Year for the IndyCar Series. Andretti addressed his IMS success in his announcement.

“Today, I am announcing my retirement from motor racing and the Indianapolis 500,” he wrote. “That totals 20 starts at the Speedway, which I feel so fortunate to be able to say. That is ranked 12th all-time. Not bad for a 38-year-old.”

Andretti went on to say that he is proud of his overall stats at the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, saying he had six “very legitimate” shots at victory racing under his family’s team: Andretti Autosport.

“It feels accomplishing to me to be able to retire having more finishes than my father Michael and the same as my grandfather Mario at the biggest race in the world,” he wrote.

Andretti also announced that he will soon be releasing a memoir about his life titled “Defending the Dynasty.” He ended his announcement by thanking everyone in the racing world who had kind words about his racing, work ethic and character.

To read the rest of Andretti’s statement announcing his retirement, look below or click here:

“I will never forget the rare circumstance of getting to race my dad in the closing laps for the win there — the pressure of participating in a dramatic Bump Day in 2011 to a pole position in 2020. That is what the Indianapolis 500 produces: extremes on both ends. That is why I love and appreciate it so much.

I am very much at peace with the next chapter in my life after dedicating three decades to the sport. I will be prioritizing most of my time on being a great father to my daughter, Miura, and tending to my other business ventures.

I am also coming out with a memoir about my life called “Defending the Dynasty.” Details coming soon on that.

2006-2025: Competing at the top level of North American motorsport is and has been an honor for me, even in the tough times. That is where I can look back and say I have made my best progress in life as a man. Learning to navigate very difficult dynamics at times, and others doubting me, made me realize that my opinion of myself is the one that should matter the most.

Lastly, a special thank-you to a lot of the people I respect in motor racing for the kind words about my driving, work ethic, and true character.“