Business & Tech

Mario Andretti Signs Autographs at New Firestone Center

The race car icon was on hand to meet and greet residents at the opening of the new Firestone Complete Auto Care on Bloomingdale Avenue.

For Mark Plymale, it was a chance to meet the guy he's idolized for years.

Plymale was among the residents on hand to meet racing legend Mario Andretti Dec. 16 at the Firestone Auto Care store at 10135 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview.

"This is a dream come true for me," said Plymale, a former NASCAR racer himself. "I've seen him race but this is the first time I've met him."

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He brought along some of his Indy race car collectibles, and was pleased to find that Andretti was more than happy to sign them.

"Mario seems to attract a lot of adults who are crazy about racing," said his publicist, Patty Reid. "We also get a lot of kids who were introduced to Mario in the Pixar movie, 'Cars.' (Andretti is the voice of one of the cars in the film). And then some of the fans are fellow immigrants. He's generationless. His fans span all age groups."

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"I've been a race car fan for years," said Chad Courson, waiting in line to get Andretti's autograph. "I can't believe he's actually here."

Eric and Ashley Weckman were driving by with their 3-year-old son, Ayden, and stopped to see what was attracting the crowds. Longtime race fans, they said they were thrilled to find that Andretti was on hand and signing autographs.

"Ayden loves anything to do with racing," said his mother. "And he loves the movies 'Cars.' He has his entire bedroom decorated with a 'Cars' theme. He even has the bed."

Ayden was equally thrilled to see the Bigfoot monster truck and meet its driver Ron Bachman, who will be at Firestone throughout the weekend.

Andretti’s partnership with the Firestone brand spans four decades. As a longtime test driver for the company, he helped develop the racing tire that led to many of his most notable achievements. With Firestone tires under his car, he won the Indy 500, Daytona 500, three of his Champ Car National Championships, the Dirt Track Championship, three Sebring endurance races and several Formula One victories.

"It's a great day," said Andretti. "I'm always happy to see another Firestone center open."

He posed for a photo with Hillsborough County Sheriff's Maj. Ron Hartley who was on hand representing Sheriff David Gee.

"I'm just glad to see new businesses open up in the area and give a boost to the economy," said Hartley, who was born and raised in the Turkey Creek area.

"I remember going to Firestone with my dad when I was a kid," said Hartley. "Back then, Firestone was like a general store."

Plant City resident Kevin Edmunds is the manager of the new Firestone Auto Care.

"It's very exciting to be part of the Riverview community," said. Edmunds.

For more information on Andretti, go to marioandretti.com or check out him out on Twitter @MarioAndretti.

The grand opening of the newest Firestone Complete Auto Care store will continue today. There will be live radio remotes provided by 107.9 WXGL FM and 102.5 WHPT FM in addition to lunch, refreshments, raffles, prizes, discounted services and family fun activities, including an appearance by the BIGFOOT Monster Truck, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The festivities will continue Sunday with lunch, refreshments, raffles, prizes, discounted services and family fun activities, including an appearance by the BIGFOOT Monster Truck.

The new Firestone Complete Auto Care center is located across from the Super Target on Bloomingdale Avenue.

For more information on the center, call 813-626-7939.


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