John Andretti says he has been impressed by his brother's racing. "He never drives over his head, but is always competitive and gets better and better," John says. "The first time I saw him drive was in a shifter-kart at Charlotte. He was so smooth. It looked like he was going slow, but he was just so smooth and really relaxed. That is usually a good sign."
No doubt having the name Andretti helped Adam pave his way in motorsports-and he will wholeheartedly agree with you on that. However, Adam will also tell you that it wasn't always easy.
"The name Andretti is synonymous with motorsports," he says. "It is a unique opportunity for a sponsor to be connected to a name that is already recognized and proven. I count my blessings everyday for who I am and where I came from. However, the road has never been easy. Everyone in my family has worked very hard for what they achieved.
"My cousin Michael said it best, 'When you are an Andretti and don't win a race, they wonder why. When you finally win a race, everyone thinks he is an Andretti, of course he should win.' The credit is never there. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. Being an Andretti has been great for my career. I am a nephew of a racing legend, the son of his brother Aldo, who is also an incredible race car driver, brother to John, cousin to Michael-the list goes on and on. However, that just cracks the door open. I have to come through with my personality and my driving ability and kick the door open. You always have to work for it, but that is the sweetest part of it. When you gain the success, you know you worked hard for it and deserve it."
As far as goals are concerned, Adam plans to concentrate on the Southwest Series and a few Craftsman Truck Series races this year. When it comes to long-term goals, he wants to one day race side by side with John.
"My brothers John and Mark got to race together, and they also got to race with my cousins Michael and Jeff. I never got to race or compete with any of my family. I really look forward to slamming some doors with John some day. That is my long term goal-to reach the ultimate level of Winston Cup and be able to compete against my brother and have a really good time with my career."
John expects that moment will come. In the meantime, he says, Adam needs to gain more experience. "Adam is going to be tough, but I think you need to arrive when it's the right opportunity," John says. "Adam has to make sure he's ready for it. There is no moving on from here. As far as stock car racing goes, Winston Cup is where it stops. He needs to take it one step at a time."
BioName: Adam AndrettiAge: 23Hometown:Brownsburg, INResides: Roseville, CAMarital Status: SingleRacing Involvement: Driver of the No. 86 Countryman Motorsports/USBank Chevy Monte Carlo in the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series.