Racing Legend Mario Andretti to Help Open Bradenton Business

Racing legend Mario Andretti will be in Bradenton Jan. 22 to help open Bradenton's newest Firestone Complete Auto Care center.

The grand opening will include a classic car show, food, prizes, and meet-and-greets with Mario Andretti. Dan and Diane Hennelly are opening their 35th Firestone store, The Tire Choice, at 5720 Ranch Lake Blvd.

Andretti will begin his visit with a private reception for The Tire Choice guests, during which a special presentation will be made to a local charity.

After the reception and ribbon cutting, Andretti will visit with fans and sign autographs at 11 a.m. The Tire Choice will provide food, entertainment and prizes to those in attendance, and will also host a classic car show during the celebration.

As a longtime test driver for Firestone, Andretti helped develop the racing tire that led to many of his most notable achievements: victories in the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500, three Champ Car National Championships and the F1 World Championship. Andretti’s partnership with the Firestone brand spans four decades.

Andretti's schedule on Jan. 22 follows:

Community leaders reception                    10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Special presentation & ribbon cutting        10:40 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Public meet & greet, autographs              11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:   The Tire Choice, 5720 Ranch Lake Blvd., Bradenton