Marco Andretti

Marco Andretti Photo courtesy of www.nextgenindy.com

The name Andretti is synonymous with racing excellence. Pocono International Raceway is synonymous with racing excitement.

On this weekend as the Verizon IndyCar Series competes at Pennsylvania’s top-notch facility, there is much expectation over what will unfold, especially for Marco Andretti.

Marco Andretti, grandson of the legendary racer Mario and son to Michael, sits seventh in points in the championship race this season. His finishes at Pocono have yet to see him in Victory Lane, but Marco has earned a pole at the track.

On Friday Andretti was in the media center of Pocono Raceway to answer questions.

A native of nearby Nazareth, PA, Marco feels Pocono is his home track but confesses, “If this track was anywhere in the world, I would love to race here. I honestly think it’s made for these race cars. It’s such a challenge, it’s so fun, presents good racing.”

Andretti was asked what it was like driving for his father, something he’s always done. Marco stated, “Quite honestly, it’s been really good. I wouldn’t change anything on the 27 stand. Dad is extremely good at calling races.”

Discussing his required performance this weekend at Pocono Marco said, “Honestly, our mentality is this is a must win for us. Maybe some of the guys at the front, they’re going to be conservative, just keep yourself in that position. Whereas me, I have a little bit less to lose.”

IndyCar has struggled finding a television audience although they put out a fabulous product. Some say the sport is beginning to find some momentum across America due to successes of American drivers like Graham Rahal, a championship contender this season and second in points, young Sage Karam and Andretti. Marco addressed this by saying, “All I can say is, I hope so…Yeah, I think it’s a good thing, for sure.”

Commenting about his performance overall Andretti stated, “…I feel like I’m just coming into my own as a driver. I think it took a little too long, but I feel I’m in a good place.  I feel like we can compete anywhere we roll off. That’s a good feeling.”

A victory at Pocono Raceway for Marco Andretti on Sunday would certainly be a popular win for this native son of Pennsylvania and third generation driver in the Andretti Family.