By Jim Fitch
Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine
It is no wonder that Mario Andretti is considered by many to be the greatest racecar driver of all time. His career touched five decades, longer than any driver, and he has won championships at all levels of competition. His list of racing accomplishments seems almost endless. It includes four time Champ Car National Champion (1965, 1966, 1969, 1984); the only person to have won the Daytona 500 (1967), the Indianapolis 500 (1969) and the Grand Prix world driving championship (1978); the only driver to win Champ Car races in four decades; and the only driver to ever win races in five decades. In addition, Andretti was named Driver of the Century by The Associated Press in 1999 and Driver of the Century by RACER magazine in 2000. Andretti considers his 1978 Formula One World Championship to be his most memorable racing achievement.