A
AGR
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I was in Pennsylvania all week on business. I am a big fan of the Andretti's. (note my logon: AGR stands for 'Andretti Green Racing', Michael's 2 time (2004 & 2005) Championship winning IRL team).
Since Mario Andretti moved to the U.S. in 1954, Nazareth, PA, has always been home. Mario effectively retired from full-time racing in 1994. But; he still participates in some events, and has sponsor obligations, and appearances all the time. Not to mention; he has a Winery in the Napa Valley.
When I was in Nazareth on Thursday, both Mario and Michael were out of town. However; I have in the past had the pleasure of meeting them both.The entire family still lives there. In the photos, you will note the entrance with "Villa Montona" on the wall. That is Mario's home. It is mostly hidden behind the trees. I did get a couple of half decent photos. You can see 2 double garages. He has another set of those on the other side of the home, as well. His home is about 22,000 sq. ft. in size!
Currently; in his garages: A 2005 Lamborghini Murcielago, Corvette ZR-1, 2005 Corvette, Lincoln Navigator, BMW 7 series, & a Jeep w/snow plow. He has the new 2006 Z06 corvette on order.
Both Mario's and Michael's homes sit next to each other. As you go up the road to their homes, Mario's is the first one you come to. Michael's sits up on the hill. Here are some really good photos of Michael's. What a beauty!
Over the past few years, I have done a lot of business buying racing collectibles through Andretti Signature Line. Mario's Brother-in-Law, Larry Hoch, runs the business, along with his wife, Judy. When he has had time, we have had some great discussions over the phone talking about Mario's and Michael's careers. When Mario moved to the states, he was 15, and Larry was 11 years old. Dee Ann (Mario's Wife / Larry's sister) met Mario at school and helped him learn English. She is a year older than Mario.
I spent over 3 hours at Andretti Signature Line on Thursday afternoon just chatting with Larry, and Judy. It was really cool to finally meet them. Just Super Folks!!
Now; in the the photos @ Andretti Signature Line, you will notice the Champ Indy Car. That is the actual 'last' Champ car Mario drove. It was at Laguna Seca in 1994. And; it was called, his "Arrivederci Mario" Tour. The team, and owners Paul Newman & Carl Haas bought that car for him as a retirement present. And yes; it runs! Cosworth supplied all the needed new engine parts to keep it running. How cool is that??!!
Today; it goes to many appearances. Note; it has Firestone tires, and decals on it. When it raced, it raced on Goodyears. And; the Goodyears, and decals are in the garage there at the Andretti Signature Line offices. Recently; it was at an appearance for Firestone.
Mario, today, does quite a bit of sponsor work for Firestone.
Anyway; enjoy the photos!
I was in Pennsylvania all week on business. I am a big fan of the Andretti's. (note my logon: AGR stands for 'Andretti Green Racing', Michael's 2 time (2004 & 2005) Championship winning IRL team).
Since Mario Andretti moved to the U.S. in 1954, Nazareth, PA, has always been home. Mario effectively retired from full-time racing in 1994. But; he still participates in some events, and has sponsor obligations, and appearances all the time. Not to mention; he has a Winery in the Napa Valley.
When I was in Nazareth on Thursday, both Mario and Michael were out of town. However; I have in the past had the pleasure of meeting them both.The entire family still lives there. In the photos, you will note the entrance with "Villa Montona" on the wall. That is Mario's home. It is mostly hidden behind the trees. I did get a couple of half decent photos. You can see 2 double garages. He has another set of those on the other side of the home, as well. His home is about 22,000 sq. ft. in size!
Currently; in his garages: A 2005 Lamborghini Murcielago, Corvette ZR-1, 2005 Corvette, Lincoln Navigator, BMW 7 series, & a Jeep w/snow plow. He has the new 2006 Z06 corvette on order.
Both Mario's and Michael's homes sit next to each other. As you go up the road to their homes, Mario's is the first one you come to. Michael's sits up on the hill. Here are some really good photos of Michael's. What a beauty!
Over the past few years, I have done a lot of business buying racing collectibles through Andretti Signature Line. Mario's Brother-in-Law, Larry Hoch, runs the business, along with his wife, Judy. When he has had time, we have had some great discussions over the phone talking about Mario's and Michael's careers. When Mario moved to the states, he was 15, and Larry was 11 years old. Dee Ann (Mario's Wife / Larry's sister) met Mario at school and helped him learn English. She is a year older than Mario.
I spent over 3 hours at Andretti Signature Line on Thursday afternoon just chatting with Larry, and Judy. It was really cool to finally meet them. Just Super Folks!!
Now; in the the photos @ Andretti Signature Line, you will notice the Champ Indy Car. That is the actual 'last' Champ car Mario drove. It was at Laguna Seca in 1994. And; it was called, his "Arrivederci Mario" Tour. The team, and owners Paul Newman & Carl Haas bought that car for him as a retirement present. And yes; it runs! Cosworth supplied all the needed new engine parts to keep it running. How cool is that??!!
Today; it goes to many appearances. Note; it has Firestone tires, and decals on it. When it raced, it raced on Goodyears. And; the Goodyears, and decals are in the garage there at the Andretti Signature Line offices. Recently; it was at an appearance for Firestone.
Anyway; enjoy the photos!
