Do It Mario! Do It!

Now this is what I call a good distraction… from Mario’s Facebook fan page, I learned of the following. Mario is hoping his wife doesn’t find out. Ha!

Racing legend Mario Andretti told Motorsport.com reporter in a recent exclusive interview that he is tempted to make a sensational comeback and compete in the 2011 IndyCar Series season finale at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October for a chance of winning the $5 million purse that is on the table.

This man is a hero to me. From childhood to the present day. He is in my opinion the greatest and most versatile driver ever. That’s him in a Formula One Lotus up there. He won. He blew the doors off all of Europe in that thing. I am in awe.

And I surely do think that he should do this. There would be three generations of Andretti on the track. You would be wise not to bet against this man winning… such is his talent. And if you think he’s old… ha!

“You never know,” the 71-year old said. “Paul Newman was similar age when he competed in Le Mans and he was 80 when he raced at Daytona in the 24 hour race in 2005. I am tempted, of course and I’m certainly crazy enough. I still love the sport but I have to be realistic and say that it might be too much but who knows…”

I more than once watched Mr. Newman, (another hero), do some seriously amazing, jaw-dropping things in a car, and Mario… well…

I just hope this comes off. That’d be just so cool.

Edit to add… Here’s Mario at Anderstorp in the Lotus 79 pictured above…

Lotus 79/3 JPS21 – Cosworth DFV V8.