Racing legend helps open new business: Firestone celebrates with Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti, a racing legend whose resume includes wins in NASCAR’s Daytona 500 as well as the Indianapolis 500 among many others, helped open the new Firestone in Covington Dec. 14 and broke the ceremonial scissors in the process.

Isabella Jocz

Isabella Jocz

Mario Andretti, a racing legend whose resume includes wins in NASCAR’s Daytona 500 as well as the Indianapolis 500 among many others, helped open the new Firestone in Covington Dec. 14 and broke the ceremonial scissors in the process.

The racing legend signed the broken scissors. Turns out he wasn’t the first one, according to staff from the Covington Chamber of Commerce.It was a light moment during what was a joyous grand opening for a new Covington business.

Andretti, whose relationship with Firestone since he started racing decades ago, has helped open eight Firestone stores this year including the one in Covington. He explained the company is selective about which stores he makes appearances at, so, it’s something special for him to visit.

“These stores are fabulous,” Andretti said. “It’s all about trying to create some awareness that they’re here. Firestone, they’re a very good neighbor. When they come into the community, they become a part of it. They’ll be a good asset.”

He commended the design of the store, describing it as “efficient,” while Firestone will provide a full line of tires and services for cars.

Andretti added that Firestone selects locations like Covington because the company sees value in communities that are investing in development.During the grand opening ceremony, Firestone donated $500 each to Meals on Wheels and the Covington Rotary Club, demonstrating what Andretti explained about the company’s involvement in the community.

It’s something that city officials are pleased about as well, as Covington Mayor Margaret Harto noted.

“We are excited to have Firestone come to Covington,” Harto said. “They’re not just sitting on this corner trying to get your business. They’re involved in this community.”

With the addition of Firestone, Harto said, it enhances the city’s mission to make Covington a great place to shop, work and play.

This wasn’t his first trip to the Pacific Northwest or the Covington area.Andretti raced once at Pacific Raceways on the road course.

“I have a faint memory of it,” Andretti said. “I think it was back in the late ’60s, could be ’68 actually. I remember that I finished second … other than that, the closest I’ve raced in the Pacific Northwest is Portland.”

In fact, Portland has some special memories for Andretti, who beat his son Michael by seven one-thousandths of a second on Father’s Day in 1986.

“I nipped him right at the end,” Andretti said. “He was so pissed then he realized it was Father’s Day, then he said, ‘Happy Father’s Day.’ ”

Andretti, who is 72, was happy to return to Covington to support the latest Firestone store. His relationship with the company goes back to the mid-1960s when he raced on the tires and became a tester of the product.

“My relationship with them helped me tremendously to develop my skills,” he said. “I won some major races with Firestone tires, so, the relationship continued.”

During the grand opening ceremony, Andretti told the crowd that even though it’s unlikely most drivers won’t need tires that can handle speeds in excess of 200 mph, the testing and development he’s been involved with ensures that those tires can handle that which enhances their safety on the roads.

“When I have the opportunity to make these appearances, I have the ability to talk with some authority,” Andretti said. “It’s one of those win-win relationships.”

 

 


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Business

Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent will give away more than 1,000 meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christmas Day. COURTESY PHOTO, Nana’s Southern Kitchen
Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent to give away 1,000 meals Christmas Day

Fifth year of event to give back to community and provide meals to those in need

Kent School of Rock’s new owners Phil Gustavson, Joshila Wilson and Chris Wilson. COURTESY PHOTO, School of Rock
School of Rock Kent new owners plan relaunch party Dec. 14

Group looks to bring ‘fresh perspective and energy to iconic music education brand’

The crew that completed Kent-based Blue Origin’s ninth human flight into space on Friday, Nov. 22. COURTESY PHOTO, Blue Origin
Kent-based Blue Origin completes ninth human spaceflight

Six-member crew soars into space from West Texas for 10-minute flight

Advance Auto Parts plans to close its locations in Kent, Federal Way and Auburn. COURTESY PHOTO, Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts to close stores in Kent, Federal Way and Auburn

Part of nine closures in state and more than 500 across the nation

t
Kent-based Blue Origin reveals crew for ninth human flight to space

Flight scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22 from West Texas launch site

Kent-based Blue Origin recently mated New Glenn’s first and second stages. COURTESY PHOTO, Blue Origin
Kent-based Blue Origin signs rocket launch contract to deliver satellites

Reaches agreement with AST SpaceMobile to use New Glenn to send satellites to space

Joshua Harris is a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran who runs a security company out of Kent. Courtesy photo
King County veteran selected to national business-growth program

In October, South King County-based company Cascadia Global Security was chosen to… Continue reading

The Hardys also were able to visit Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland while escorting a client’s European trip, summer 2024. Courtesy photo.
From Alaska to the Rhine, Jennifer Hardy has your travel needs in mind

When it comes to planning a cruise trip with the family, fewer… Continue reading

Darren, Ryan and Launice Malmassari and Becca Pimentel all work at Kent East Hill Nursery as a family. Courtesy photo
Kent East Hill Nursery continues to grow

When the Malmassari family took over the Kent East Hill Nursery in… Continue reading

Paul Raftis (right) of Paolo’s Italian learned how to cook from his mother, Darlene Risse Raftis (left). Courtesy photo.
Vittoria! Paolo’s Italian wins big

It’s been a good month for Paolo’s Italian Restaurant in Kent —… Continue reading

Best of Kent 2024 winners announced!
Best of Kent 2024 winners: See the list here

Check out the Kent Reporter’s special section.