John Andretti Death – Obituary:  Longtime race car driver dies at 56

John Andretti Death – Obituary:  Longtime race car driver dies at 56

Family and friends are mourning the death of  Longtime race car driver and Bethlehem native John Andretti, who died Thursday after a battle with colon cancer. He was 56.

John Andrew Andretti was an American race car driver. He was the older brother of racer Adam Andretti, nephew of Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti, and first cousin to IndyCar champion Michael and Jeff Andretti. He was also the first cousin once-removed to IndyCar driver Marco Andretti.

We learned of the deceased through the following tribute posted on social media.

He never stopped fighting. John Andretti has died after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 56. pic.twitter.com/4R9HNiUfnm

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) January 30, 2020

Cause of Death.

He was said to have died from cancer.

Tributes.

The following are some tributes posted on social media to honor the life and the legacy of the deceased.

John Andretti won:
-USAC sprint car races on dirt
-An IndyCar race on a street course
-1989 Rolex 24
-Cup races at Daytona and Martinsville
… And made the semi-finals in an NHRA Top-Fuel event

That man was one of the most versatile racers of the last 50 years #RIP pic.twitter.com/FIxQuG9JMR

— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) January 30, 2020

God Speed John Andretti. My heart is heavy with overwhelming sadness. I know his last name was Andretti, but for our family it was always Petty. All my thoughts, prayers and love go out to the entire Andretti Family

— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) January 30, 2020

We’ll remember John Andretti for moments like these. In the Spring of 1999, he led 24 laps at Richmond, taking the lead from none other than @JeffGordonWeb to do it.#CheckItForAndretti pic.twitter.com/GaI7seVY5R

— Richmond Raceway (@RichmondRaceway) January 30, 2020