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Marco Andretti Stepping Down from Full-Time IndyCar Racing in 2021

Marco Andretti is stepping away from full-time competition in INDYCAR, he announced Friday, Jan. 15.

Andretti, who has competed for Andretti Autosport since 2006, will continue to race on a more limited basis.

Andretti will run in the Indianapolis 500 for the team as well as potentially other IndyCar races this season “in order to remain ‘car fit.’”

“I have also offered to help the team with some testing and other activities along the way,” Andretti said in a statement. “And, I may look at different opportunities in all of motorsports.

”My involvement in my Andretti Autosport entry will continue.”

Additionally, Andretti hopes to race sports cars, including IMSA; some events he mentioned were the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring and Le Mans.

Andretti, who claimed the pole for the 2020 Indianapolis 500, is a two-time IndyCar race winner with victories at Sonoma Raceway and Iowa Speedway to go along with his 20 career podiums in the series.

Father and team owner Michael Andretti voiced his support for his son’s decision.

“Marco and I have discussed this at length,” Michael Andretti said in a statement. “I both support and respect his decision to take a focus on other areas of life, and maybe even other forms of motorsport. We were working on a full-season INDYCAR entry for him, but he decided he wanted to take a different direction and I respect him for making that decision.

”I think for any multi-generational athlete, it can be really challenging to find your own ground and make your own name on top of your family’s. Marco has always had the courage to chart his own path and I’m proud of the career he’s built for himself and the person he’s become. I know this decision wasn’t easy.

”But, like he has said, this is not retirement. He has some great accomplishments behind him and I think he still has many more ahead of him. He’s offered to help us out with some testing, I’m looking forward to having him back with us for the 500, and hopefully maybe a few more races throughout the season.”

While Marco Andretti’s full plans have yet to be announced, the 33-year-old is optimistic.

”I am excited for what the future holds in store for me both on and off the track and, again, am grateful to Dad and Andretti Autosport for allowing me the freedom to change things around as I’d like and to proceed forward a little differently this upcoming season,” Andretti said.

About the author

Joy joined Frontstretch in 2019 as a NASCAR DraftKings writer, expanding to news and iRacing coverage in 2020. She's currently an assistant editor and involved with photos, social media and news editing. A California native, Joy was raised as a motorsports fan and started watching NASCAR extensively in 2001. She earned her B.A. degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Bakersfield in 2010.

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