Mario Andretti

Andretti in 2014, photo by kathclick/Bigstock.com

Birth Name: Mario Gabriele Andretti

Place of Birth: Montona, Kingdom of Italy (now Motovun, Croatia)

Date of Birth: 28 February, 1940

Ethnicity: Italian

Mario Andretti is an Italian and American racing driver. He is one of only three drivers to have won races in the Formula One, IndyCar, the World Sportscar Championship, and NASCAR. He has also won races in midget car racing and sprint car racing.

Mario was born in Montona, Kingdom of Italy, now Motovun, Croatia. His parents were Rina (Benvegnu) and Alvise Luigi “Gigi” Andretti, a farm administrator, who was born in Rovigno, Italy, now Rovinj, Croatia. His family left Montona in 1948, and spent time in a refugee camp in Lucca, Tuscany, after World War II. The family moved to the U.S. in 1955, settling in Nazareth in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.

Mario became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1964.

Mario was married to Dee Ann (Hoch), until her death, with whom he has three children, including race car drivers Michael Andretti and Jeff Andretti. His grandson, Marco Andretti, is also an auto racing driver.

His brother was racing driver and entrepreneur Aldo Andretti, and through him, Mario is an uncle of John Andretti and Adam Andretti, who were/are also racing drivers.

Mario’s paternal grandfather was named Andrea Andretti. Andrea was born in Veneto.

Mario’s paternal grandmother was named Anna Ghersa.

Mario’s maternal grandfather was named Pietro Benvegnu.

Mario’s maternal grandmother was named Constantina Giovanelli.

Source: Death records of Mario’s parents – http://www.findagrave.com