Former IndyCar Driver John Andretti Dead at 56

Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images

 

 

NASCAR and IndyCar motorist John Andretti sadly lost his public battle with colon cancer Thursday afternoon. He was 56.

 

 

 

Andretti was diagnosed with colon cancer in early 2017, and used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of colon health and keeping up with regular colonoscopies. The cancer seemed to have cleared up following the end of his first round of chemotherapy, but by May 2018, the cancer had returned and spread.

Andretti retired from NASCAR in 2010 after a 17-season career, which included a fifth place finish in the Indy 500 in 1991. He was the son of famed NASCAR racer Mario Andretti and the son of Aldo Andretti.