via Imago
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – MARCH 04: IndyCar, Indy Car, IRL, USA owner Michael Andretti attends a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz at the the media center after qualifications for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 4, 2023, at the St. Petersburg Street Circuit in St. Petersburg, Florida. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAR 04 INDYCAR Series Streets of St. Petersburg Icon230304025
via Imago
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – MARCH 04: IndyCar, Indy Car, IRL, USA owner Michael Andretti attends a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz at the the media center after qualifications for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 4, 2023, at the St. Petersburg Street Circuit in St. Petersburg, Florida. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAR 04 INDYCAR Series Streets of St. Petersburg Icon230304025
Andretti Autosport now has a new co-owner, Gainbridge’s CEO Dan Towriss. This is Group 1001, which is Gainbride’s parent company’s golden opportunity to enter the world of a racing series. Semiretired racer Michael Andretti has had a longstanding wish to make an entry in either Formula 1 or NASCAR, and this sponsorship is finally set on making his dreams come true.
The Michael Andretti and Gainbridge partnership has gained quite a fame in the world of IndyCar, but now even NASCAR cannot be ruled out as this partnership opens new doors for Andretti. Gainbridge had earlier announced that it would be sponsoring the cars of Corey Lajoie and Ty Dillon of Spire Motorsports. Now, Michael Andretti feels optimistic about a big break that could change the face of Andretti. Autosports.
Gainbridge knows where to invest
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Michael Andretti, according to his latest interview with IndyStar, is focused on building new relationships with Gainbridge. He then plans on focusing on solely entering Formula 1 by 2025.
It is quite well-known how enthusiastic Andretti has been about joining NASCAR since the initial phase of his career. With Gainbidge’s partnership with Spire Motorsports, even that, according to Andretti, is not off the charts.
Gainbridge joined the world of racing 2 years ago when it partnered with Rev Racing for its ARCA Menards Racing program. It went on to expand its sponsorship into the NASCAR Truck Series, followed by the multi-year deal with Spire Motorsports in 2023. As reported by Indystar.com, building on this, Andretti said,
“We’re working on relationships and things like that. It’s possible we want to, but right now, we don’t want to focus on that. We’re 100% focused on Formula 1, and that’s where it all has to be at this point.”
Spire Motorsports co-owners Jeff Dickerson and T.J. Puchyr in a release stated, “We undertook this journey to prove ourselves in the industry, while positioning our team to work with and represent global brands. This announcement validates that journey. We recognize the work is still just beginning, and we’re each to continue elevating our program to position Gainbridge as one of the most visible and influential brands on the starting grid.”
The dual role that Towriss is currently playing will help Andretti venture into several unexplored territories that were previously out of reach for him.
Watch this story – Michael Jordan’s $150 million worth NASCAR investment under public scrutiny after 23rd July
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What exactly would getting into NASCAR mean for Andretti and his new sponsors?
Trending
“Rest in Peace”- Cup Team Spotter’s Sudden Passing Leaves the Racing Community Devastated
“This Is Not Good”- Outspoken Insider Warns Michael Jordan & Denny Hamlin Against Lawsuit Failure Amid FRM’s Uncanny Silence
Jeff Gordon Confesses Being in “Awe” As He Delivers Heartfelt Farewell to Veteran NASCAR Journalist
Kyle Busch Backs Martin Truex Jr.’s Rant as He Sarcastically Shuts Down Hopes for Roval Reconfiguration
Jeff Gordon’s Tribute to His NASCAR Legacy Wins Fans’ Hearts as He Showcases Rick Hendrick’s Latest Investment
Firstly, he would have to purchase at least one of the NASCAR charters to guarantee entry into each race for the stakeholder. Owning both the racing charters would mean that Andretti’s racers will have guaranteed full-time entry into each race. Towriss’s role as the CEO of Group 1001 as well as the co-owner of Andretti Autosports will ensure that such transactions become smoother for him.
Owning a NASCAR charter will be more or less a million-dollar deal, with the costs not including the funding needed for motor parts, and motor shop areas, among others. Overall it is going to be a huge investment, one that Andretti now has the resources for.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Michael Andretti’s plan for pursuing a NASCAR Cup Series is a long-term one, and one that he’s ready to commit to. For a person who’s been dreaming of being a part of the NASCAR Cup Series for this long, Andretti is finally walking on a path that might help him achieve just that.
