Honda Remains Silent On Why It Removed Mario Andretti From The Driver Seat Of Indy Car Experience

Lady Gaga, Channing Tatum, Nick Cannon, Mark Wahlberg and Julian Edelman have all sat where my substantial rear was parked on October 25: In Mario Andretti’s famous two-person Honda IndyCar, long marketed as the Fastest Seat in Sports. Andretti's been giving these thrill rides to lucky fans and VIPs for the better part of a decade. But the iconic racer, who turns 81 in February, has formally been removed from the driver's seat by Honda.

And somehow, the fates aligned to put me in the car for his very last drive.

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CANADIANCOMMENTS - 11/2/2020 4:52:48 PM

+1 Boost

Yep. The insurance company likely drew a line in the sand. If they wanted the business to continue they had to 86 the driver. Although he is a legend, at 81 you really should not be ferrying people around a race course.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 11/3/2020 8:51:04 AM

+1 Boost

@Agent009 - You might think so, but the Insurance industry has actuarial data points to back up their decision which would likely stand up in court.

MDarringer - 11/2/2020 8:05:18 PM

-1 Boost

81 is 20 years too old.

Agent009 - 11/2/2020 8:17:13 PM

+3 Boost

(Being a devils advocate here) Isn't that age discrimination?

atc98092 - 11/3/2020 9:12:50 AM

+2 Boost

TheDrive has a new article that clarifies it all. Basically, Honda was just pulling out of its sponsorship. Honda admits they blew it with not letting Mario about it in advance. Honda was rightfully embarrassed by how they did it and accepted responsibility for their mistake. Assuming someone else picks up the sponsorship of the "fastest seat", Mario might well continue as the driver. But at age 81 he should really think twice about it.

qwertyfla1 - 11/3/2020 10:26:45 AM

0 Boost

I have met Mario and he is an absolute gentlemen in every sense of the word. His son Michael on the other hand was a complete entitled, asshole and couldn’t be more different than his Dad. Sad to see Mario loose his ride though as racing is this guys’ DNA. Classy guy!