Michael Andretti is an interesting guy. Born into racing royalty, the son of Mario Andretti, he became one of the biggest stars of the IndyCar series in the 90’s, his Andretti Autosport now competes in series around the world including Formula E, Rallycross and all steps on the ‘Road to Indy’. Michael Andretti is a loyal person.
Last week, Andretti Autosport announced its driver development program would now include young kart racers Sebastian Wheldon and Oliver Wheldon, sons of the late Dan Wheldon, who won the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series championship in 2005 while driving for Andretti’s team. The Wheldon boys will carry the Andretti shield in national level karting series SKUSA, USPKS and Rok Cup USA.
This week, it was announced that Stefan Wilson has been signed on to drive for Andretti Autosport at the 2021 Indianapolis 500. Stefan Wilson is the little brother of the late Justin Wilson, who raced for Andretti Autosport in the 2014 Formula E series, and drove the No. 25 Andretti Autosport car in the 2015 IndyCar series.
The livery on Stefan’s car looks hauntingly similar to his late brother’s Andretti car, and will also carry the No. 25. The connection between the Wilson family and the Andretti family cannot be understated. But Stefan is no slouch either! In the 2018 Indianapolis 500, he took the lead on lap 192, and was potentially headed for victory before running out of fuel three laps later.
“After leading laps with Andretti Autosport at the Indianapolis 500 in 2018, I’m hungry to return and finish the job,”
Stefan Wilson, IndyCar racer
Andretti is a family operation to the core, and his loyalty to his racers is remarkable.
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