Is Indy 500 ‘Andretti Curse’ lifted following Marco’s pole position?

American motor racing royalty, the Andrettis have dominated over open wheel racing in the United States with a string of victories that have related generations — father (Mario), to son (Michael), to grandson (Marco).

But for all their success at circuits all around the entire world, Mario’s Indy 500 victory in 1969 stands on your own.

More than the many years what was first shrugged off as terrible luck, turned cruel misfortune then afterwards a whole blown jinx that now ranks appropriate up there with the Boston Red Sox “Curse of the Bambino” and Chicago Cubs’ “Curse of the Billy Goat.”

For those wanting for indications that regardless of what voodoo planted on the Andrettis will be lifted this calendar year, there were hints on Sunday that a little something was different when 33-calendar year-outdated Marco grabbed pole position 33 many years immediately after Mario was the past Andretti to start off from the entrance.

The Andrettis have happily performed alongside when it will come to the curse, neither embracing or dismissing it.

Marco routinely turns the tables indicating his loved ones is not cursed but blessed though at the same time conceding the final results advise darker forces at do the job.

A idea this calendar year has the curse thrown out of whack by the COVID-19 pandemic which compelled the Indy 500 to go from its common May perhaps 24th date to Aug. 23.

“I never believe it (the curse) exists in August so we are very good,” Andretti informed Reuters with a giggle. “As a loved ones we would communicate that we are blessed not cursed but it is a cool media tale and we have been functioning with it.

“Results intelligent, yeah, possibly there is a little something to it simply because person the a few of us have been so dominant in this article.

“We have a bunch of podiums, but this is just one spot wherever that does not make a difference.”

Certainly when it will come to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Andrettis’ romance has been extra star-crossed than aligned.

Marco’s father Michael, has been a 5-occasions winner of the Indy 500 as a crew owner, but in 16 occasions as a driver, he could not get to Victory Lane.

In his 2006 rookie season Marco completed second but has in no way been that close once again.

An American driver profitable the Indianapolis 500 will have admirers waving the Stars and Stripes – an Andretti profitable “The Finest Spectacle in Racing” would convey fireworks.

Enthusiasts, drivers and any person related to motor racing understands what the Andretti title means to the sport.

When Marco’s title flashed at the top of the timing tower on Sunday social media exploded and the pit lane applauded.

Fellow drivers ran to Marco’s auto to provide congratulations though his father hugged him and fought again tears.

Thanks to COVID-19 well being and safety protocols there will be no spectators in grandstands that ordinarily would be packed with close to 300,000 motor racing admirers.

Both way Andretti claims he will however come to feel the guidance.

“Just feeling the guidance from the pole I won’t be able to even envision what it would be like if we won the race,” reported Marco. “You would see a couple grown guys cry.

“Just viewing the films of admirers across the road carrying my jersey, that’s so cool and the unwavering guidance on social media.”