I don't want to hear it. Relegated to an 18th starting spot due to a loose lug nut during qualifying, Andretti would have to try to work his way to the front, but even that attempt was not to be. With the drop of the green flag and the roar of the crowd, the pack was quickly through turns 1 and 2. In an attempt to correct his faltering car, Irwin hit Andretti in the left front fender, knocking him hard into the third turn wall. Eventually, Andretti came to rest down on the apron, with the right front tire neatly tucked up underneath the fender well, obviously beyond repair for the night and probably the Coca-Cola 600 next week as well.
Nothing lasts forever but the Earth and sky .
Gone were the hopes and dreams of a victory, a tearful dedication to Adam Petty, and perhaps the rebirth of Petty Enterprises. Instead an uninjured, yet decidedly emotional John Andretti choked up during a post crash interview. Being the class act that he is, John could only relay sorry for not giving General Mills and the folks at Wheaties a better showing. He was part of the family now, and he was feeling the pain too. Thank you to the Pettys and all the families who have made this great sport possible.