Mario Andretti, 66-years old, will be awarded the title of Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana from Antonio Bandini, Consul General of Italy to New York in recognition of Mario’s remarkable career and good character, which have reinforced a positive image of Italians throughout the world.

In a career that spanned an unprecedented five decades, Mario Andretti has achieved prominence in almost every category of motor racing. He has been Formula One World Champion, Indy 500 winner, Daytona 500 winner, four-time Indy Car National Champion, USAC National Dirt Track Champion and three-time winner of 12 Hours of Sebring, among others. He has been named Driver of the Year in three different decades, Driver of the Quarter Century, and Driver of the Century by the Associated Press and RACER Magazine.

Present at the ceremony will be members of the Andretti racing dynasty, including his son Michael, a retired Indy car champion and owner of Andretti Green Racing, and his 19-year old grandson, Marco, who in 2006 was named Rookie of the Year by the Indy Racing League.

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