The Best of The Best: Michael Andretti

It is a shame we don't have more owners in Indycar like Michael Andretti. Michael has time and time again proven that he is all in for Indycar and its loyal fans. Not to mention he is one of the greatest American drivers ever. He started a racing team and it has blossomed into something I could have never seen coming. Here are some examples as to why he is the best owner in Indycar. Michael Andretti:

     -Fields three full time Indycars (fielded 5 at Indianapolis)
     -Fields two cars in Indy Lights
     -Fields two cars in Star Mazda
     -Fields two cars in US F2000 Series
     -Promotes two races in Milwaukee and Baltimore

Okay, now name an owner that does the above five things.

The answer is none. Michael Andretti is the only owner to have a hand in every series of the Mazda Road to Indy. Not only that, but his team has been proven winners in all four racing series. Ushering in young and talented drivers is a key step forward for Indycar. Michael currently employs drivers like Carlos Munoz, Sage Karam, and Zach Veach, all of whom have a bright future in Indycar.

Something I'd like to see is more Indycar teams doing is fielding cars in Indy Lights, Star Mazda, and US F2000. BHA, Sam Schmidt Motorsports, and Andretti Autosport are the only Indycar teams fielding a team in Indy Lights. Rahal Letterman Racing, HVM Racing, Panther Racing, former Vision Racing, and Ganassi Racing all used to field part time or full time entries in Indy Lights, but they all pulled out. We have all of this talent in Star Mazda and US F2000 but with only 11 full time rides currently available in Indy Lights, they have nowhere to go, thus Indycar risks the chance of seeing the talent go elsewhere.

Michael Andretti continues to prove that he is of the owners who is truly all in for Indycar. His passion and dedication for the sport is not being overlooked, and fans everywhere should take notice of his efforts. Keep up the great work Michael!

Let me know what you think.

-Matthew Hickey