Mario Andretti May Return to Indy 500

Topics:  Mario Andretti, Indianapolis 500

Voice of America
April 23, 2003

Open-wheel auto racing legend Mario Andretti could be returning to the track for next month's Indianapolis 500.

The 63-year-old has agreed to test Tony Kanaan's car at Indy this week. Kanaan broke his left arm earlier this month during a race in Japan. Doctors say the Brazilian should be well enough to run the race May 25.

Kanaan's car is co-owned by American driver Michael Andretti, Mario's son. The Andrettis have agreed to Mario qualifying the car for Indy if Kanaan is unable to.

Mario Andretti, who won at Indy in 1969, retired from open-wheel racing in 1994, but made a brief comeback at the 2000 24 Hours of LeMans.