Legendary racecar driver Mario Andretti has accepted the invitation to be the Grand Marshal of New York City’s 60th Columbus Day Parade, announced historic racer Lawrence Auriana, President the Columbus Citizens Foundation, which produces the annual event. The Parade will be held on October 11.
“I am thrilled and honored to be the Grand Marshal of the 2004 Columbus Day Parade in New York City,” said Mario Andretti. “The Parade is a celebration of accomplishments and of Italian-American contributions to the United States. I look forward to joining this great event and sharing my passion for automotive excellence and design and my love for Italy and America.”
Parade watchers can expect a stunning display of historic racecars, new and vintage sports cars, and historic race motorcycles. Racecars from Mario’s career include the Lotus that he drove to victory in the 1978 Formula One World Championship, the Brawner-Hawk in which he won the 1969 Indianapolis 500, and a replica of the Holman-Moody Ford Fairlane he drove to victory in the 1967 NASCAR Daytona 500.
Andretti’s racecars will be also exhibited in the landmark Vanderbilt Hall of historic Grand Central Station during the week preceding the Parade as part of an exhibition profiling his remarkable career.
