Mario and his ZR1

[carboman]

Mario Andretti purchased ZR1 #500. As you can see it's silver but to make it a little special it's the only one with black headlights. Pretty cool looking.

[Glennm27]

That's cool. It's no accident he got #500 ;bc

[Glennm27]

Racing legend gets the 500th ZR1

By JUSTIN STORY, The Daily News, jstory@bgdailynews.com (jstory@bgdailynews.com)/783-3256
Friday, December 12, 2008 11:46 AM CST

The General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant got some high-end business Thursday from someone who has made his living behind the wheel.

Racing legend Mario Andretti visited the plant Thursday, touring the facility and getting a look at his new Corvette ZR1.

Andretti bought the 500th ZR1 to come off the assembly line at the plant - appropriate for the winner of the 1969 Indianapolis 500 and the 1967 Daytona 500.

The high-performance car has a top speed of 205 mph, making it the fastest Corvette ever.

With all options and fees, the ZR1 costs $116,520.

The car was manufactured a week before the plant shut down for its Thanksgiving break.

Andretti, 68, toured the manufacturing floor with plant manager Paul Graham and UAW 2164 Shop Chairman Shane Colvard.

At the end of the tour, Andretti got a closer look at his new car, marveling at the powerful 6.2 liter, 638 horsepower engine.

While signing memorabilia for plant employees, Andretti made it clear that the ZR1 would not become a showroom fixture.

“I’m going to drive the hell out of it, enjoy it,” Andretti said. “I’ve been following Corvettes for many years and this is the best ever.”

The Associated Press and RACER Magazine named Andretti the Driver of the Century in 2000, the same year he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

He was a three-time U.S. Driver of the Year, best known for his IndyCar racing career, though he also won races in NASCAR, Formula One and the World Sportscar Championship categories.

He retired from full-time racing in 1994 and drove in his final competitive race in 2000.

Both of Andretti’s sons, Michael and Jeff, also had racing careers, along with Mario’s nephew, John, and his grandson, Marco.

Graham said Andretti’s visit was arranged with the help of Corvette sales planner Dave Shelton. The visit had been delayed a day due to inclement weather preventing Andretti from flying here out of Allentown, Pa.

“Mario was interested in getting a ZR-1 and wanted to come down and see the plant in person,” Graham said. “It’s great for our employees to see the customers who are coming in to buy our cars.”

Andretti said he felt a bond with the “gearheads” who shared his passion for cars.

“I see the guys here, there’s a lot of passion and pride in the workplace,” Andretti said.

Dozens of employees lined up late Thursday morning with an array of things for Andretti to sign, including hats, posters, magazines and model cars.

One employee offered a $20 bill for Andretti to sign, while another presented the program from the 1970 Indianapolis 500, with signatures of many other famous racers. Andretti finished sixth in that race.

“A friend of mine and I met him in Cleveland about 20 years ago,” said Mark Clark of Bowling Green, who works in the salvage department. “This is a special day. These don’t happen too often anymore.”

Clark had a copy of Corvette Quarterly for Andretti to sign.

[Silver O Six]

I like the silver...Looks so cool with the CF roof and black
details.....;aw;aw;aw;aw

[Mike Campbell]

Sweeet !!;bt

[Norm Clemmer]

That is an interesting article. Mario has a jet which is based out of Allentown. I was told once that Paul Newman had been a part owner of it.

[Glennm27]

That is an interesting article. Mario has a jet which is based out of Allentown. I was told once that Paul Newman had been a part owner of it.
Mario lives in Nazareth PA and drove for many years for the Newman-Haas Indycar Race team, owned by Paul Newman and Carl Haas.

Mario and Michael Andretti were very close friends with Paul Newman for many years.

[Joel Fellman]

He needs a few Cavalcade posters on the wall of his garage!!

[Richy]

Let's invite him to join CCDV.I'm sure El Bonko could use his people skills to entice him.

[JSPERFORMANCE]

My guy Brian is going out to his house to tune it for him once the weather clears up a little.