John Andretti, one of the most popular and versatile American race drivers of his generation, passed away after a battle with colon cancer. He was 56.

Andretti, a member of the famed Andretti racing family, drove and won at the highest levels of North American motorsports in Indy cars, stock cars and sports cars. He also competed in top-level drag racing and short track open wheel racing. His career included 12 starts in the Indianapolis 500 and 11 starts in the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Andretti also spent time assisting and raising funds for various charities throughout his life, even after going public with his cancer diagnosis in April 2017.

When he announced his diagnosis with late-stage colon cancer in April 2017, Andretti also started an aggressive campaign to urge regular colon screening, something he admitted he didn’t do to catch his illness in its early stages.

The #CheckIt4Andretti gained notoriety during the 2017 Indy 500 presented by Gainbridge, likely saving many lives through the encouragement of regular colonoscopies.

Andretti was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the son of race driver Aldo Andretti and nephew of 1969 Indianapolis 500 and two-time Formula One World Champion Mario Andretti.

Andretti is survived by his wife, Nancy, and children Jarett, Olivia and Amelia. Jarett Andretti has followed his father’s tire tracks and drives in sprint cars, sports cars and Indy Lights.

Fans are encouraged to continue Andretti’s legacy through regular colon screenings and by sharing the #CheckIt4Andretti hashtag on social media.

For more details on Andretti's career and accomplishments, visit the IMS website, here.

Photo courtesy of IMS