RIP Andy Granatelli

"El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First!" (lightningzone) 12/29/2013 at 18:10 • Filed to: None

0

8

MONTECITO, California — Andy Granatelli, the former CEO of STP motor oil company who made a mark on motorsports as a car owner, innovator and entrepreneur, has died. He was 90.

Granatelli's son, Vince, said his father died Sunday of congestive heart failure at a Santa Barbara hospital.

Granatelli is a member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame.

His cars nearly won the Indianapolis 500 in 1967 and '68 with turbine engines. He broke through in 1969 with Mario Andretti driving his winning car with a conventional engine. Granatelli kissing Andretti on the cheek in Victory Lane is one of the most famous images in Indy history.

In 1973, Gordon Johncock gave Granatelli another Indy 500 victory.

desertdog5051 > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 12/29/2013 at 18:25

1

So sad. Bad day for motorsports news.

Just wear your damn mask... > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 12/29/2013 at 18:29

0

First Bignotti in September and now Granatelli. Not a good year for the big names from the 60's. I saw Granatelli on Wind Tunnel a few years ago and I surprised then that he was still alive, considering he was a big guy. 90 years is a good long life and he accomplished a lot.

Leadbull > desertdog5051 12/29/2013 at 18:31

1

It's been a sad year for motorsports news. Ready for a hopefully less-tragic 2014.

El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > Just wear your damn mask... 12/29/2013 at 18:35

0

Hehe, well, all that lasagna wasn't too pleasant on Andy's silhouette.

pdthedeuce > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 12/29/2013 at 18:52

0

when I was five , I put an STP sticker on my bike . I always loved that logo .

El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > pdthedeuce 12/29/2013 at 18:56

1

Yet it isn't that famous as the Gulf and Martini ones, worldwide, that's a pity.

BJohnson11 > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 12/29/2013 at 22:56

1

Sad news. My dad recently had the pleasure of meeting him (my dad is in solar panel sales, and I believe Granatelli was interested in them for his house). His grandson (also Andy Granatelli) goes to my college now. From what I've read, a truly great racer, racecar builder, and businessman. Sad to see him go.

62imperialcrown > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 12/30/2013 at 00:14

1

So sorry to hear that. I knew a couple guys that worked with him on the Studebaker team at Bonneville. I also had to call his company, Tune-Up Masters, once on some small business matter for my boss back in '83 or so, and the secretary put him on the line! After I got the business question out of the way, I told him I was a fan of his, and he was real nice about it.