R. I. P. Andy Granatelli passed away today.

I just picked this news up on Facebook.


Former STP CEO, Indy 500-winning owner Andy Granatelli dead at 90

By: Chris Estrada

Dec 29, 2013, 6:32 PM EST
Andy Granatelli AP

Andy Granatelli (pictured, from 2010), former CEO of the STP motor oil company and one of the more notable innovators in the history of the Indianapolis 500, has passed away at the age of 90.

According to the Associated Press, his son, Vince, confirmed that he died of congestive heart failure earlier today in a hospital in Santa Barbara, California.

A member of multiple racing Halls of Fame, Granatelli was a significant figure for the “500,” especially in the late 1960s and 1970s. In the 1967 and 1968 races, he fielded radical, turbine-powered cars that did well but ultimately lost out in both races.

In ’67, Parnelli Jones lost a potential win with only a few laps to go when a transmission bearing failed and forced him to retire. Then in ’68, Joe Leonard suffered a fuel pump shaft failure while leading and also had to retire in the final moments.

But in 1969, Granatelli finally had his day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as Mario Andretti, driving with a more conventional engine, took his STP-backed No. 2 machine to victory over Dan Gurney.

Granatelli expressed his appreciation by kissing Andretti on the cheek in Victory Lane, creating one of the most beloved images in “500″ history. Andretti has tweeted the following on Granatelli’s death this evening

 

According to the Associated Press, his son, Vince, confirmed that he died of congestive heart failure earlier today in a hospital in Santa Barbara, California.

 

Bummer. His was a household name when I was a kid.

 

Sad news.

"According to the Associated Press, his son, Vince, confirmed that he died of congestive heart failure earlier today in a hospital in Santa Barbara, California."

GodSpeed Andy.


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He had a good life, sorry to see it end.

 

I just seen it too. Second time this month we must say goodbye to one of our Hot Rodding pioneers.

 

R. I. P.

 

R.I.P. Andy. Thank you for all you accomplished that inspired so many.

 

R.I.P. Mr. Granatelli

In 1969, Granatelli finally had his day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as Mario Andretti, driving with a more conventional engine, took his STP-backed No. 2 machine to victory over Dan Gurney.

Granatelli expressed his appreciation by kissing Andretti on the cheek in Victory Lane, creating one of the most beloved images in “500″ history.

 

Sad to see another legend gone. R.I.P

 

R.I.P. Andy Granatelli

 

RIP Andy, 90 yrs old, wow

 

Mr. Granatelli also attempted to extend the life of the Novi, which was a legend in its own right and on radio coverage of Indy something that could make you feel like there were indeed 'monsters out there'. Also, failure to mention his participation at Bonneville would be remiss. He caused to have built and drove some pretty damn fast machines on the salt. I know his family will miss him terribly and those of us who were bystanders can only pray he is at peace and has crossed over to join other men like himself who make up the pantheon of racing legends.

 

A member of multiple racing Halls of Fame, Granatelli was a significant figure for the “500,” especially in the late 1960s and 1970s. In the 1967 and 1968 races, he fielded radical, turbine-powered cars that did well but ultimately lost out in both races.

In ’67, Parnelli Jones lost a potential win with only a few laps to go when a transmission bearing failed and forced him to retire. Then in ’68, Joe Leonard suffered a fuel pump shaft failure while leading and also had to retire in the final moments.

 

Mobil publicity photo showing Andy Granatelli's 63 Studebaker Avanti fueling up for its record breaking performance.

A Studebaker Avanti R3 driven by Andy Granatelli at the Bonneville Speedway shattered 29 U.S. records in 12 hours in 1962: American class C Flying Start; 1 mile - 168.15 mph; 5 mile - 167.82 mph; 10 mile - 163.90. American class C Standing Start; 1 mile - 92.03 mph; 5 mile 139.69; 10 mile - 151.66 mph. All 29 records are the average speeds of a 2 way run, and are not the top speeds obtained. Granatelli came back that year with his R3 to score 170.78 mph, and broke five other Class C marks. Altogether twelve Studebakers smashed 337 different USAC records in six classes. Production R1 models listed 0-60 mph times of about 10.5 seconds, the standing-start quarter-mile in 17.0 seconds at about 80 mph, and top speeds of 115-120 mph. Shown: Mobil publicity photo showing Andy Granatelli's Avanti fueling up for its record breaking performance.

 

May his memory be eternal;

Midget1939

 

90 years old...................you had a good run Andy and left your mark in many ways. Now it's time to rest in peace.

Frank

 

Godspeed Andy.

 

That book is a GREAT read with lots of stories on the early days of hot rodding

 

Let's not forget Grancor! Rest in peace Andy!

 

R.I.P. Andy..

 

R.I.P. Andy Granatelli , I always rooted for the STP cars he raced at the "500"...

 

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R.I.P. Andy! 90 years is a long time.

 

Granatelli was a innovator, something we don't have much of any more. He will be missed.

 

I have a very old paperback book that is his autobiography. The title is "Mr. 500". It is a great read, giving an in site to both Andy and his brother Vince and their amazing story. If you can find a copy I think any
gear head will enjoy it.

 

r.i.p. andy. your time to rest and race upstairs has come.

 

This is a great book. Granatelli wrote that things got so bad between himself and USAC that nobody wanted to be seen talking to Granatelli, out of fear that USAC would lower the boom on anyone who associated with Granatelli. WOW!! Must have been incredible to be in the garage area at Indy during May.

 

In December 1948 Andy Granatelli was tyrying to sell a package deal of THREE INDY cars for the ridiculous price of $10,000! That ad took up four pages of the ten page California Timing News December 1948 issue. He was 25 years old at the time.God speed Mr. Granatelli. Bob