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Mario Andretti Receives Inaugural Spirit of Competition Award

Museum Event
Mario Andretti Receives Inaugural Spirit of Competition Award
Date
November 12, 2008
PHOTOS BY
Museum Staff

Mario Andretti – the driver many feel is the greatest that ever raced – received the first annual “Spirit of Competition” Award at the dedication of the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum this evening. The award was presented to Mr. Andretti by Dick Vermeil, former coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Museum was dedicated by the Honorable Michael A. Nutter, mayor of the City of Philadelphia.

“No other driver represents the spirit of competition better than Mario,” said Dr. Fred Simeone, executive director of the Museum. “He told me he never started a race he didn’t feel he would win.”

Andretti was presented with a plaque containing a replica of Alberto Ascari’s competition driving license of, Andretti’s boyhood hero. In addition, he received a 1948 Hudson painted to match the first race car he and his brother Aldo built in America.

In addition to presenting the award, Mr. Vermeil also brought a sprint car that had been raced by his father, Louis Vermeil, in Northern California races. “Seeing Mario sit in my father’s car brought tears to my eyes. I could see my dad looking down and smiling.”

Mario Andretti is often referred to as the greatest racecar driver of all time, having proven himself a winner at all levels of competition. Born in Italy, he came to America at an early age where he and his twin brother Aldo made a name for themselves on Pennsylvania dirt tracks. Since then he has won almost every type of race there is, and is the only driver to win the Indianapolis 500 (1969), the Daytona 500 (1967) and the Formula One World Drivers Championship (1978). In 2000, Andretti was named the “Driver of the Century” by both the Associated Press and Racer magazine.

  • Andretti at the Podium
  • Dick and Carolyn Vermeil with Mario Andretti
  • Andretti, Vermeil and Simeone at the podium
  • Andretti with the replica Hudson
  • Mario Andretti and Dr. Fred Simeone
  • Andretti with the Philly X Team
  • Mayor Michael A. Nutter dedicates the Museum
  • Dick Vermeil with his Sprint Car
  • Andretti and Simeone Tour the Museum
  • Andretti and Simeone tour the Museum
  • Andretti and Simeone Tour the Museum
  • Dick Vermeil and Mario Andretti
  • Dick Vermeil, Mario Andretti and Fred Simeone
  • Vermeil and Andretti with Sprint Car
  • Mayor Nutter with Philly X Team
  • Mayor Nutter with Philly X Team
  • Mayor Nutter with Philly X Team
  • Dr. Fred Simeone at the podium
  • Andretti and Simeone with the Hudson
  • Andretti at the Podium
  • Mario Andretti and Fred Simeone
  • Mario Andretti with Philly X Team
  • Andretti with Philly X Team
  • Dick Vermeil with Philly X Team

Hours and Info

6825 Norwitch Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19153
215-365-7233
Tuesday – Friday 10AM through 6PM
Saturday – Sunday 10AM through 4PM
Closed Mondays and Major Holidays

About the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

Located in Philadelphia, PA, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is one of the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars. Through our theme, “The Spirit of Competition”, we celebrate the history and evolution of these magnificent machines.

Assembled over 50 years by Dr. Frederick Simeone, the Museum contains over 75 historically significant cars including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Mercedes, Jaguar, Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford, and more.

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