For the 108th Indianapolis 500, Marco Andretti will be taking the wheel of the No. 98 MAPEI / CURB Honda. This outing will mark the veteran driver’s 19th participation in the iconic race. Furthermore, the new sponsorship will be showcased through the Andretti Herta with Marco Andretti and Curb-Agajanian entry during the IndyCar’s Open Test at IMS on April 10th and 11th.
At the age of 36, Marco Andretti’s record at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval is commendable. With four podium finishes, eight top tens and a single pole position to his name, he was also distinguished as the 2006 Rookie of the Year after delivering a standout performance in second place.
MAPEI, a foremost manufacturer of chemical products catered for the construction industry, will also be extending their support as an official partner to the No. 27 entry helmed by Kyle Kirkwood. This partnership will span the entirety of the 2024 IndyCar Series season.
Michael Andretti, Andretti Global CEO and Chairman, expressed his enthusiasm in welcoming MAPEI to the Andretti family. He views this as the company’s inaugural venture in the world of racing and the NTT IndyCar Series. “It’s apparent that MAPEI shares our passion for maximizing performance and achievement”, remarked Andretti. He added that their shared goals will be evident through this collaboration. The inclusion of a new brand such as MAPEI as the primary sponsor on the No. 98 at the 500 is an honor, marking the Indianapolis 500 as a major event.
Offering his own sentiments on the partnership, Luigi Di Geso, President and CEO of MAPEI North America said, “MAPEI is a global frontrunner in the manufacturing of products specifically tailored for the building industry.” He highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability. Given MAPEI’s status as a global leader and a family-owned business, the partnership with Andretti Global resonates deeply.
Di Geso views the affiliation as symbolic of two family-founded entities striving for excellence. Venturing into motorsports with Andretti Global in the 2024-2025 season is in line with MAPEI’s ongoing commitment to forming dynamic partnerships that embody their drive for innovation, precision, and excellence. He concluded by saying, “We are excited about this collaboration and look forward to a year of unparalleled performance.”
Additional moments to note include updates from IndyCar Pagenaud on his health and returning to racing in 2024, and commentary from Will Power on his 2023 championship form “resets the bar” complimenting IndyCar Alex Palou.