DARLINGTON, S.C. — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Nick Sanchez will honor racing legend Mario Andretti with a throwback paint scheme during the Buckle Up South Carolina 200 at Darlington Raceway.
The legendary racer will be in attendance as Sanchez’ No. 2 Gainbridge Chevrolet Silverado fielded by Rev Racing carries the colors Andretti drove to victory in the 1967 Daytona 500.
“The name ‘Mario Andretti’ is synonymous with auto racing, so to get to honor his legacy and his famous Daytona 500 win in 1967 is very special,” Sanchez said. “As a young driver, what he’s accomplished in motorsports is something I can only dream about for my future. Maybe he can give me some tips on how to accomplish those dreams.”
Andretti is the only driver in history to win the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500 and Formula One World Championship. His 1967 Daytona 500 triumph came in a Holman-Moody Ford, which crossed the finish line under caution in front of future NASCAR Hall of Famer and teammate Fred Lorenzen.
Nick Sanchez will honor racing legend Mario Andretti with a throwback paint scheme at Darlington Raceway. The car will carry the colors Andretti drove to victory at the 1967 Daytona 500.
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Andretti will be just one of the many racing legends at Darlington Raceway during The Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR, May 12-14. As part of NASCAR’s 75th Anniversary Celebration, the top 75 NASCAR Drivers of All Time are being honored, with several of those legends making appearances throughout the weekend.
“I was full of pride when I learned that Gainbridge and Rev Racing were paying tribute to me this way,” Andretti said. “The effort they are going through to present this commemorative truck is flattering. Thank you to the team for that effort and also for acknowledging my part in NASCAR history. I look forward to seeing Nick Sanchez carry the design from my 1967 car.
“I hope this winning paint scheme will be a good omen for him and that he’ll get a victory.”