Retirement Celebration Includes Collectibles, Special Events
Monday, March 3, 2003
With less than 90 days remaining before he retires from active competition, Michael Andretti announced that he is issuing a limited-edition autograph card and will introduce a line of collectibles and memorabilia as part of his efforts to encourage race fans to join him in counting down the days until his final appearance in the Indianapolis 500.
Introducing a program titled "Michael Andretti's Countdown to Indy," Andretti, now in his 20th season of competition, officially began counting down the days until the 87th Indianapolis 500 on May 25.
Andretti introduced the first in a line of "Countdown to Indy" collectibles and limited-edition items that fans can purchase at Andretti's Signature Line merchandise trailer at IRL IndyCarTM series events and through Andretti's personal Web site, www.andretti.com.
Among the "Countdown to Indy" items immediately available are T-shirts, polo shirts, hats and lapel pins. Limited-edition die-cast cars, lithographs and other items will be made available in the weeks leading up to Andretti's final race.
As part of the countdown activities scheduled at his last four races, Andretti also will issue 500 limited-edition autograph cards at each event. Andretti started his countdown tour by finishing sixth in the Toyota Indy 300 on March 2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He also is scheduled to race in the Purex Dial Indy 200 on March 23 at Phoenix International Raceway and the Indy Japan 300 on April 13 at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan, leading up to his final race at Indy.
"The limited-edition autograph cards are only available at Indy Racing League's official autograph session at each track," Andretti said. "I wanted on-site fans to have an opportunity to leave with something special as a way of thanking them for supporting me and my new team and wishing me well as I get ready for my last few races."
After 19 full seasons of competitive racing, Andretti announced in late January that he would retire after the 2003 Indianapolis 500 to focus his energy on developing his newest venture, Andretti Green Racing, with partners Kim Green and Kevin Savoree.
"I have had an amazing run over the past 19 years, and now it's time to focus on being a team owner," Andretti said. "I have accomplished almost everything I wanted to as a driver. The only thing that I have not yet done is win the Indy 500. I am determined to give it one last shot this year. I am hoping that the fans who have been supporting me and writing to me over the years will join me in this countdown to Indy and will help me make the last race of my career the most memorable ever.
"I have been extremely fortunate throughout my career, and I have so many reasons to thank fans for all that they have done to support me. We've got a lot of things planned for the next couple of months as I get ready for the Indy 500, and I'm looking forward to participating in activities that revolve around and celebrate race fans. They've been with me since day one, and I am very grateful for their support. I'd really like to win the 500 for all of them, as well."
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