When I was young, I enjoyed IndyCar racing. We only had a handful of channels growing up and IndyCar would be on the “ABC Wide World of Sports” often and without much else to watch, I became fond of it. Later I got into NASCAR more and stopped following any open wheel racing. However, when I moved to Indianapolis in 2006, I fell in love with it.
Thanks to the company that I worked for, I was able to get to the track often without having to spend my own money to get in. I was able to go places that others couldn’t (the garage and pit areas) that others couldn’t without spending a lot of money. Over time, I met most of the IndyCar stars of the day, but I was never really a big autograph guy when I was at the track. I preferred getting pics with drivers, if I could. Thankfully I did acquire some autographs. I was fortunate enough to get Dan Wheldon to sign a mini helmet for me. It’s one of my most cherished collectibles. Rest peacefully, Lionheart.
There are two legendary drivers that almost every person has at least heard of, A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti. While I never had the chance to meet Foyt, I was able to once catch Andretti and get a picture with him at the track.
I have a couple of Andretti certified auto from packs. However, late one night I couldn’t sleep so what does one do? Look at eBay on the iPad. I’m not one to buy raw autos, but I saw a certified one that had been marked 60% off in a sellers store. I’m pretty sure that I paid less for the item and the shipping than was originally paid to have it certified and encased. I am very happy to have added a different auto to my PC.
Maybe it was just destiny that I couldn’t sleep that night. I rarely search Mario Andretti but I’m glad that I did.
If you like what we’re doing and want updates when we post new pieces, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Please take the time and also look through some other pieces on the site. I’m still looking for more folks that would like to contribute, so let me know if you are! You can follow me on my other Twitter handles at @kin_kinsley and @DFW_Card_Shows.
I’m not a racing fan either but I’ve worked in the same restaurant for years which is down the street from 1963 Indy 500 winner Parnelli Joneses office . He comes in to the restaurant regularly . I’ve had him sign a few things over the years and I’m pretty sure I could get him to sign something for you . Just let me know .