May 18th, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum had an event inviting guests to attend the opening of its exhibit, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mario Andretti’s winning of the Indianapolis 500.
Mario, Michael and Marco, three generations of Andretti racers were in attendance along with special guests like Johnny “JR” Rutherford, Pancho Carter, Donald Davidson, Linda Vaughn (Lady Hurst) and more. Mario shared memories of his personal history, racing career, and gratitude for the life he’s had. There were a few humorous stories mingled in.
Within the exhibit is a section dedicated to motorsports artists. Famed motorsports artist Ron Burton had several of his “Mario” paintings featured, along with other artist.
“Mario’s ’69 Winner” by Son of Indy artist, William Homeier (son of Indy 500 driver Bill Homeier) was included in the art room.
The 1969 Winner 
Mario, the Painting & I 
Mario’s Signature on the painting.
I asked Mario if he’d like to see the painting I’d created of his 1969 winning car and take a photo. He said sure. When he and his assistant saw the painting, he asked if I wanted him to sign it. Growing up in this world, that’s the last thing I’d ask; told him the photo was more than enough. After taking a few photos, Mario said, “I’m gonna sign it!” He asked his assistant for a Sharpie and promptly did so. Thank you, Mario. Glad you liked the painting of your 1969 winner.
Dad had retired from racing about the time Mario was showing up at Ascot. To my knowledge they never competed on track. Mario said he was aware of who Dad was; didn’t really know him though.
“Mario’s ’60 Winner” will be on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in the art room of the exhibition, through November 10th.
The story of Mario’s win can be found on this page: http://f5a.33f.myftpupload.com/marios-1969-indy-500-win/ Don’t miss your out on your own “Mario’s ’69 Winner” items (prints, shirts and more) also on that page.
Son of Indy©Mario’s 50th Anniversary Exhibit –
now open at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
“Mario’s ’69 Winner”, Son of Indy’s 36″x48″ Acrylic on Alumium original is displayed as part of the IMS Museum’s Mario Andretti exhibit.
Don’t miss celebrating this year’s Indy 500 with your 18″x24″ poster for a limited time promotional price.
Images include:
- “Mario’s ’69 Winner”
- “Mario’s ’69 Winner – B&W”
- “McLaren’s Return I”
- “Donohue 1972”
Regularly $35 each
NOW! through the end of May, 2019 $25 each!
Coupon Code: SOI103rdPosters
Don’t miss out! Get yours before this deal is gone!
Son of Indy©
30″X40″ Acrylic on Aluminum Panel
Son of Indy Original
April 8th, 2019, McLaren unveiled it’s Dallara Indycar entry for Fernando Alonso’s second try at winning the Indianapolis 500. The historic race is one that the 2x F1 World Champion has called “one of three race events comprising the Triple Crown of motorsports.”
Fernando has already accomplished two of the three having won the 24 Hours at LeMans, and Formula One’s Monaco race. Should he win the fabled 500, he will be the only driver to have successfully won the Triple Crown of motorports.
“McLaren Returns I” was composed with the livery designed used during Ferando’s preparation/test run at Texas Motor Speedway. When McLaren’s Chevy-powered Dallara Indycar showed up for the practice sessions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway the design had been changed slightly, though the iconic papaya orange remains as the identity of the car, similar to the F1 design.
“McLaren Returns II” is on the easel now.
“McLaren Returns I” Son of Indy Products
Son of Indy©This May, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mario Andretti’s winning of the 1969 Indianapolis 500 (IndyStar article ), (Autosport article). The win came in a back-up to the car.
He led 116 of the 200 laps to score the most prestigious win of his IndyCar career in Andy Granatelli’s STP-sponsored Clint Brawner-designed Hawk III-Ford. Hemmings Daily has a great article, entitled, “Fifty years ago, Mario Andretti scored his first – and only official – Indianapolis 500 win” describes Mario’s interesting month of May in 1969.
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I created two originals commemorating Mario’s “overcoming the odds” 1969 Indy 500 win.
Mario’s ’69 Winner – Son of Indy 36″x48″ Acrylic on Aluminum Panel 
Mario’s ’69 Winner – BW – Son of Indy 36″x48″ monotone Acrylic on Canvas
The IMS Museum’s exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mario Andretti’s 1969 wining of the Indianapolis 500 will feature Son of Indy’s “Mario’s ’69 Winner” on aluminum panel. The exhibit is open May 1st to November 10th, 2019.
Originals and reproductions are available. Inquire here.
This year being the 50th Anniversary of Mario Andretti’s 1969 Indianapolis 500 win, a limited edition the poster featuring Son of Indy’s original, “Mario’s ’69 Winner,” is available. Only 2,019 (50 + 1969) of these unique posters are available. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
[tg_button href=”http://f5a.33f.myftpupload.com/product/marios-69-winner-50th-anniversary-poster/” color=”blue” bg_color=”” text_color=””]Mario’s ’69 Winner 50th Anniversary Poster Limited Edition[/tg_button]
Perfect for Mario to autograph at the 103rd Indy 500! Only 2019 available.
“Mario’s ’69 Winner”
Son of Indy Artworks Original
Apparel, Posters & Accessories
Son of Indy©[quote]”Whoosh!”[/quote]
This Son of Indy Acrylic on canvas original features the historic STP-Paxton Turbocar. This dominating Indycar, powered by a Pratt & Whitney jet turbine, all but won the 1967 Indianapolis 500. With just four laps remaining, a $6.00 bearing failure brought the iconic car driven by Parnelli Jones to rest, handing AJ Foyt his third Indy 500 victory.
The idea conceived by Ken Wallis had been presented to Carroll Shelby and Dan Gurney, both of whom declined. It was Andy Granatelli who embraced the idea and convince Parnelli to drive the car. Parnelli asked that I deliver the original Vince Granatelli, son of Andy Granatelli.
Parnelli established a foundation to help those with brain injuries after his son’s injuries. Reproductions of “Whoosh!” benefit Parnelli’s foundation. Get your own bit of racing’s history while helping Parnelli’s foundation.
[tg_button href=”http://f5a.33f.myftpupload.com/parnelli-jones-foundation-and-whoosh/” color=”red” bg_color=”” text_color=”#000000″]Whoosh & Parnelli’s Foundation
Your Part of Racing History Helping Others[/tg_button]
For more about this unique race car –
- Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STP-Paxton_Turbocar.
- Smithsonian – https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/jet-powered-car-raced-indy-500-180963240/
- GIZMODO – https://gizmodo.com/this-jet-powered-race-car-nearly-won-the-indy-500-1664958175
Videos
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Parnelli, Whoosh! & I after he autographed it.Helping Parnelli's Brain Injury Foundation
Son of Indy©
It was a fabulous time of fans, friends, and race enthusiasts, especially those who love racing’s history as shown by the restored and tribute Indycars of the past.
To show my personal gratitude to the drivers, crew members and individuals who made the inaugural Vintage Indy Registry Open Wheel Icons event such a success, I offering a limited time discount, through the end of this month (September 30, 2018). This offer is for any Indycar / open wheel racing fan who enjoys motorsports history.
The 20% discount applies to available originals and commissions. Commissions require a 50% deposit, due upon agreement of subject and composition. Balance due upon completion. Shipping of artwork is separate and not included. Email via link embedded in picture below or here.
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When Dan passed away this year, an American motorsports icon and a part of the greater racing story past onto the pages of history. Car designer, he drove and won in Formula 1 and the 1967 24 Hours of LeMans with co-driver AJ Foyt. Gurney was a friend as well as a competitor Foyt admired.
Dan designed the Gurney Eagle racecars. An impressive 157 Gurney Eagles were built between 1965 and 2000 for AAR’s own racing team and for customers. Eagles won on the Formula 1 circuit, at the Indianapolis 500, 12 Hours of Sebring, and 24 Hours of Daytona, as well as in many national and international championships in open-wheel and sports-car racing. (source: http://allamericanracers.com/dan-gurneys-eagle-racing-cars/).
It’s the month of May and time for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing!”
Last year saw the return of F1 to Indy in the person of two-time F1 World Champion, Fernando Alonso who won the 101st Indianapolis 500 Rookie Award. El Nano Campeón (Son of Indy Artworks 30″x40″ Acrylic on Canvas original) was inspired by Fernando’s run at the “Yard of Bricks.”
El Nano Campeón – Available
Last year’s winner, Takumo Sato became Japan first winner of the historic 101st Indianapolis 500. I was so excited having met Sato two years earlier, his win inspired “Sato’s Attack” (also a Son of Indy Artworks 30″x40″ Acrylic on Canvas original). Takumo really enjoyed the painting.
Sato Attack – Available
With Dad making his first attempt to qualify for the 500 the year I was born, Indy always been significant. Two years ago I painted, “Celebration of Speed” (Son of Indy Artworks 48″x36″ Acrylic on Canvas original) featuring the top of the Borg-Warner Trophy, one of the most coveted motorsport trophies.
Celebration of Speed – Available
This year, for the 102nd Indianapolis 500 I’ll be creating two originals: one featuring this year’s winner; the second will be based upon Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Each of the originals above are available. The yet-to-be-created originals are available now for a considerable savings. Once they’re completed, this discount offer disappears.
You can inquire about either the existing or two new originals via the Contact page.
[tg_button href=”http://f5a.33f.myftpupload.com/contact/” color=”blue” bg_color=”” text_color=””]102nd Indianapolis 500 Son of Indy Originals[/tg_button]
