Famed race car driver John Andretti has lost his battle with cancer and passed away Thursday, Andretti Autosport confirmed on Twitter.
While battling cancer, he started the hashtag #CheckIt4Andretti to encourage people to get colonoscopies to prevent and detect colon cancer.
John had a huge career that included wins in CART, IMSA GTP, Rolex Sports Car Series, and NASCAR. He was a member of one of the most famous families in racing.
He was the son of racer Aldo Andretti, who is the twin brother of Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti. He was the older brother of Adam Andretti, and first cousin to Michael and Jeff Andretti.
Andretti was an active member of the community, being part of Race For Riley during the weeks of the Brickyard 400.
He disclosed in 2017 that he was battling stage four colon cancer, which was believed to be gone, but relapsed in 2018 and again in 2019 after another round of treatment.
His battle with cancer spared his awareness campaign, which started the hashtag #CheckItForAndretti.
Family and fans are sharing the hashtag on social media in his memory.
Statement on the passing of John Andretti #CheckItForAndretti pic.twitter.com/ku3gX2neOq
— Andretti Autosport (@FollowAndretti) January 30, 2020