Gainbridge Honors Mario Andretti with Throwback Paint Scheme on No. 2 Gainbridge Chevrolet in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race

Each year at Darlington Raceway, teams honor the legacy and heritage of NASCAR by looking back on iconic paint schemes and drivers. While Mario Andretti is best known for his 52 IndyCar wins, he’s also the only driver in the history of motorsports to win the Indy 500, the Daytona 500, and the Formula One World Championship. 

The year was 1967 and a young Mario was just starting to establish himself as the next big thing in IndyCar. Andretti was racing with Holman-Moody Racing, and he was a late entry in the Daytona 500 along with the much more established Fred Lorenzen.

Not only did Andretti win, but he also dominated. He led 112 of the 200 laps and won under caution. He was the first IndyCar driver to win the Daytona 500. 

Fifty-six years later, the paint scheme of the famous No. 11 that Andretti drove into victory lane will be recreated on the No. 2 Gainbridge Chevrolet, driven by Nick Sanchez on Friday, May 12, in the Buckle Up South Carolina 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. The paint scheme was designed by Group 1001 Creative Director Brett Nicholson.

“The name Mario Andretti is synonymous with auto racing, so to get to honor his legacy and his famous Daytona 500 win in 1967 is very special,” said Nick Sanchez. “I’m excited to drive the No. 2 Gainbridge Chevrolet with Mario’s iconic sky-blue paint scheme at Darlington Raceway. For me, the chance to meet a legend like Mario will also be special. As a young driver, what he’s accomplished in motorsports is something I can only dream about for my future. Maybe he can give me some tips on how to accomplish those dreams. Thanks to the Gainbridge team and my Rev Racing team for organizing this special throwback opportunity.”

"Mario Andretti is a racing icon who is universally beloved and young drivers like Nick Sanchez aspire to one day become,” said Mike Nichols, Group 1001 Chief of Sponsorship Strategy and Activation. “To align Gainbridge with Mario’s 1967 Daytona 500 victory and subsequent career of excellence is truly an honor.”

Mario remains connected to IndyCar as his son, Michael Andretti, and granddaughter, Marissa Andretti, operate one of the top teams on the IndyCar circuit - Andretti Autosport. Gainbridge is also closely tied to IndyCar, sponsoring Colton Herta, who drives the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda for Andretti Autosport. 

About Gainbridge

Gainbridge is Group 1001’s insurtech subsidiary through which we strive to offer products on the platform that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Gainbridge’s digital-first distribution model underpins our mission to reach all communities, including those that have been historically underserved by our financial system.

About Group 1001

Group 1001 is a technology-driven financial services company with a mission to empower our customers, employees, and communities by making innovative products accessible to everyone. We strive to demystify how insurance and annuity products are purchased today by leveraging technology to provide intuitive financial solutions for all Americans. As part of our mission, we invest in strategic partnerships to connect with and transform communities through education and sports. As of September 30, 2022, Group 1001 had combined assets under management of $57.5 billion and comprises the following brands: Delaware Life, Gainbridge, Clear Spring Health, Clear Spring Insurance, and Clear Spring Life.

About NASCAR

Celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty’s Series (Canada), NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 12 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).