Grapevine: Andretti May be Oldest to Qualify for Indy

Mario Andretti, 63, is back behind the wheel of a racing car and could become the oldest driver ever to qualify for the Indy 500, even though he has agreed not to take part in the race.

American Andretti, the 1969 Indy 500 winner, 1978 Formula One World Champion and multiple CART champion, retired from open wheel racing in 1994 but will test a Dallara/Honda for his son Michael's team at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval today.

Michael Andretti's newly-formed team have been hit by injuries this month to drivers Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan.

"It's a kind of insurance," Andretti senior told Reuters. "Michael asked me 'would you like to try it?' and I've never been one to back from a challenge."

Even though he may qualify for the Indy 500, the team have agreed that Mario will stand aside for the race in favour of an unnamed replacement driver. This is permitted under the unique rules of the event.

"It is all of a sudden (but) I will be taking this very seriously," added Andretti senior.

Franchitti was injured in a motorcycle accident near his home in Scotland while Brazilian Kanaan was hurt at a race in Motegi, Japan. Franchitti will be out of racing for three months but Kanaan may be able to get in a racing car next week.

Foyt Record

All that leaves on the team is Michael Andretti, who will retire after the race, and British rookie Dan Wheldon.

If Kanaan has not recovered in time to qualify, the Andrettis have agreed to let Mario try to make the race. If he achieves the feat he will eclipse 57-year-old AJ Foyt as the oldest driver to qualify for the Indy 500. The first official qualifying session for the Indy 500 will be on May 10.

"I know I'm kinda old but when I was sitting in that seat today I was in my element," Mario told the ESPN website. "I've been out of it for a long time but I feel like it's where I belong."

"His eyesight is fine," said son Michael. "I mean, he probably can't see the gauges but he can see far away. We'll wait and see how he does but I think he'll be fine. Right now he's like a little kid."

Ever since the Indy Racing League, which sanctions the Indy 500 on May 25, was formed at the end of 1995 Andretti senior has been one of its severest critics and he aligned himself with the rival CART series which will make its debut at Brands Hatch, England on May 5.

"I've always supported the Indy 500 and I always will," said Mario.