News 8’s Phil Sanchez rides with Mario Andretti at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As the countdown continues to the Indianapolis 500, News 8’s Phil Sanchez got to ride with an legend of Formula One, IndyCar and NASCAR on Tuesday.
Phil took two laps around the famous oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Mario Andretti behind the wheel. Andretti won the 1967 Daytona 500, the 1969 Indianapolis 500 and 1978 Formula One World Championship.
Phil was in full racing gear, a helmet and a fire-retardant suit, just in case.
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Phil said the best moment came when he met Andretti for the first time.
Andretti described the experience of riding in the car for the first time. “Well, if you lose your cookies … you get to keep your helmet, and we’ve lost a few helmets.”
Drivers are practicing all week at the speedway. Gates will open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday.