Written by Dan Jones
Michael Andretti will step aside from his day-to-day operational role at Andretti Global, the team that he has solely owned since 2009, and co-founded since 2002, as he moves into an advisory role at the Indianapolis-based outfit, and passes the baton to Group 1001 owner, Dan Towriss.
Andretti stated in an open later: "As I make this decision for myself, my family and this team, I know this is somewhat of a shock to many, especially you, the fans, my extended family. For many of you, you’ve watched me grow up, or you’ve grown up right alongside of me, and no matter what moves we’ve made as a team, you’ve stuck by our side at every turn. It is not lost on me that the generations of Andretti fans are the best in the business. I’m honored to be considered a fan favorite, a role model and a friend. And I thank you for a lifetime of support and, in some cases, your brutal honesty. "
Dan Towriss will step into Andretti's role. Towriss, the owner of Group 1001 and Gainbridge, became involved with the team in 2018, as a primary sponsor for Zach Veach, since moving to the No.26 of Colton Herta for several seasons, as Towriss continues to lead the outfits Formula 1 bid, alongside their work in Extreme E, Indy NXT, Formula E and the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Andretti further added: "When my driving days slowed, I set my sights on creating a space that would inspire future drivers to go faster than I had. I believe that, together with the help of many very qualified and passionate team members, I have been able to do just that. For the past two decades, our team has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. We’ve grown on a global level that I believe is still untouched in motorsport and we’ve seen some of the best talent in racing proudly wear the Andretti badge."
"Many of my best memories have come at the wheel of this organization, and I am so proud of what we have built. But decades of running flat out doesn’t come without sacrifice and, after much thought and reflection over the past several months, I came to the decision to take a step back. I’ve had a day-to-day operational role since even before I stepped out of the race car, and it’s time now to pass the baton to my partner and friend, Dan Towriss."
Under Andretti's leadership, the team, has taken 74 IndyCar victories, including IndyCar's 2024 season finale at Nashville Superspeedway with Colton Herta, with drivers championships in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2012. The team have also taken victories at the Indianapolis 500 in 1995, 2005, 2007, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
As Andretti moves to an advisory role within the outfit, he concluded: "I’m excited about the opportunity to spend more time with my beautiful family, including my 10-year-old twins, embrace my new Nonno title and explore new things on a personal level and with my other businesses. So, this isn’t a goodbye. It is just the turning of the page."
The season opener on the Streets of St. Petersburg in 2025 will mark the first race without Andretti as the primary leaders of the team, and will signify the first under Towriss' leadership, as Andretti Global look to build on their 2024 season.
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