1971: On lap 12, Steve Krisiloff blew an engine, spewing oil on the observe in flip three. Three tanks of bottled hydrogen had been additionally placed in a circular configuration around the primary charge, to boost the fireball and afterburn of the solid steel particles. Mario suffered lacerations to the left heel and abrasions to each knees, but no main accidents. On race day, Mario suffered yet another early drop out, finishing solely 2 laps.

1973: Rain delayed the start of the race, liquidsaromen and vapeglobal at the start, liquidsaromen; https://www.liquidsaromen.de, a large crash involving Salt Walther halted the race. 98 car, begins twenty ninth in his 20th begin after facing Bump Day and qualifying thirty first resulting from lack of grip during the primary day of Time Trials. On pole day, gusty winds kept his speeds down, and with solely 35 laps of apply within the automotive, he certified for the dreaded "8-ball spot." (8th starting place was thought of dangerous luck at the time; no driver had ever won the race from that grid position, dampferkaufen and would not achieve this till 1985, see under).

During observe, vapedevice Mario Andretti was having bother getting his Viceroy Parnelli up to hurry, and considered switching to his backup car, an Eagle.

Andretti and the youthful, up-and-coming mechanic Jim McGee stayed on with Granatelli. For 1970 the workforce was offered outright to Andy Granatelli. Incidentally, Andy Granatelli, Mario's earlier automotive owner, was the winning co-proprietor together with Pat Patrick. Mario's chief mechanic, veteran Clint Brawner was promptly fired. It was Mario's first of four begins with Penske Racing.

A short while later, Mario's son Jeff shattered each of his legs in a terrible crash, dampfkit and was additionally taken to the hospital. Andretti spun making an attempt to keep away from the crash, and rammed into Johncock's automotive. In Formula One, Liquidsaromen nevertheless, Andretti placed third in the championship. However, he was able to make up for this by profitable the 1978 Formula One World Championship after ending third in 1977, behind South African Driver Jody Scheckter and Austrian driver Niki Lauda, who completed 2nd and 1st in 1977 respectively.

Mario went on to win the 1969 USAC Championship, his third title in five years. However, as a 3rd day qualifier, Mario would line up 19th.