John Andretti Dies of Cancer at Age 56
IndyCar, NASCAR and IMSA driver John Andretti has died at age 56 following a battle with colon cancer, according to Andretti Autosport.
Over 20-plus years racing, Andretti complied wins in CART, IMSA—including the 1989 24 Hours at Daytona—and NASCAR, while also competing in NHRA Top Fuel, Rolex Sports Car Series and USAC midget events.
Andretti was the nephew of Mario Andretti and cousin of Andretti Autosport owner Michael Andretti.
The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania native was also a noted philanthropist and advocate for cancer awareness.
“Through Race4Riley, John spent decades dedicating his time and fundraising attention to Riley Hospital for Children,” Andretti Autosport said in a statement. “When first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2017, John vowed to fight back and use his voice to help spread the word of prevention and early detection. He fought hard and stole back days the disease vowed to take away. He helped countless others undergo proper screening, and in doing so, saved lives.”
