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NASCAR and IndyCar Driver John Andretti Dies At 56

24 Mar 2001: John Andretti #43 who drives a Dodge Intrepid for Petty Enterprises waves to his fans during the Food City 500, part of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee.Mandatory Credit: Robert Laberge /Allsport

Former NASCAR and IndyCar driver John Andretti has died at the age of 56 after a long battle with colon cancer.

Andretti Autosports shared the news on Thursday, calling him a "loving husband and father" as well as a "dedicated teammate" and "driven competitor".

Andretti, a first cousin of racing legend Michael Andretti, was the first driver ever to attempt "the double", driving the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.

Katherine Viloria is Beasley Media Group's Fort Myers Digital Content Manager. She loves to write, snap photos, and watch Grey's Anatomy. Connect with her on Instagram @alittlethisalittlekat