Wife of Mario, mother of Michael and Jeff, grandmother of Marco – Dee Ann Andretti, the matriarch of a motorsport empire, passed away on Tuesday as confirmed by Andretti Autosport.
"The entire Andretti Autosport family is deeply saddened to share the news of Dee Ann Andretti's passing,” a statement read. “Together, Mario and Dee Ann became the foundation of a racing legacy and the American dream.”
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the entire Andretti family during this difficult time.”
Various figures around IndyCar took to Twitter to memorialize the late Andretti, including grandson Marco who shared photographs.
— Marco Andretti (@MarcoAndretti) July 3, 2018
Mario and Dee Ann Andretti married in 1961, as the two travelled the world seeking racing glory for Mario. Soon enough, they would enjoy having their name become synonymous with speed and success. Mario’s own exploits aside, those of their children Michael and Jeff, as well as grandson Marco, ensured the steady continuation of excellence across generations.
Maintaining a lifelong home in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, Dee Ann’s appearances at the racetrack had become fewer and farther between in recent years. However, her impact on American motorsport remains in the legacy that she and the entire Andretti family have brought to IndyCar and auto racing as a whole.
— Andretti Autosport (@FollowAndretti) July 4, 2018
